Vitor Roque will arrive at Barcelona only in 2024 – report

As chatter surrounding Vitor Roque’s potential move to Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense is picking up, there are contradicting reports emerging on the 18-year-old’s situation.

Roque has made it clear that he wishes to join only Barça this summer and it is being claimed that he has even agreed personal terms over a long-term contract until 2028. However, they still need to finalise an agreement over a transfer fee and payment structure with Athletico Paranaense.

Officials from both clubs held a meeting earlier today, along with Roque’s agent, Andre Cury. The meeting is understood to have gone positively despite an agreement not being reached.

The most notable thing, though, was that Barcelona were understood to have informed the striker that they can register him this summer without any problems.

However, now, Toni Juanmarti is reporting that while negotiations with Athletico Paranaense are progressing, Roque will arrive at Barcelona only in 2024 – either in January or in the summer.

It was previously reported that Barça could consider postponing the Brazilian international’s signing until the winter or even next summer if they are unable to create enough Financial Fair Play margin this summer.

And even though some reports state that his registration will not be an issue, Juanmarti insists that the deal will be done for 2024 and not for right now.

Roque, for his part, is hell-bent on joining Barcelona and would be willing to accept to wait until 2024 to join the club.

Just 18 years of age, the striker is seen as a valuable addition to the club for the present and the future. Barça see him as the long-term heir to Robert Lewandowski, who will be turning 35 in a couple of months.

What remains to be seen is whether the La Liga champions have enough Fair Play margin to incorporate Roque’s signing this summer itself or whether they are forced to push his arrival to January next year.