Barcelona make final decision on the incorporation of 18-year-old Brazilian jewel

According to Joaquim Piera of SPORT, Barcelona, especially Xavi, have been trying to incorporate the arrival of Vitor Roque this summer, but the move seems impossible due to the implications of Financial Fair Play regulations.

So as things stand, the Brazilian will join Barcelona in January.

During the press briefing preceding the first league game against Getafe, the focus was on Ousmane Dembele’s unexpected departure. 

Xavi adeptly addressed this by confirming that Roque’s arrival at Barça would only materialize in January. With this statement, he gracefully put to rest the rumours of an earlier inclusion of ‘Tigrinho’.

The rumours had stemmed from Athletico Paranaense’s unanticipated elimination in the Copa Libertadores round of 16. This eventually led to speculations that Barça could finally acquire him ahead of the agreed time.

Barcelona secretly initiated talks

Behind closed doors, the reality diverged sharply from what Xavi said. Barça, in a discrete manner, initiated efforts to secure the 18-year-old striker before the closure of the summer transfer window. 

However, the crux of the matter, as with all ongoing deals, was assimilating the Brazilian forward’s transfer within the constraints of Financial Fair Play.

The agreement involved €30 million plus variables (to be spread over seven seasons) and a first-year salary of €3.5 million gross.

The player’s agent, Andre Cury, extended his assistance to Deco from Brazil, facilitating communications with Athletico Paranaense. The club sought financial compensation to part ways with their leading scorer.

Xavi was keen on having Roque

Xavi was understood to be very keen on having Roque as part of his roster right now itself, rather than waiting for him until 2024.

Barça openly entertained the prospect of the Brazilian wonderkid’s inclusion until recently. They were optimistic about incorporating him alongside, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, both anticipated to join from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively.

Ultimately, the tight salary constraints dictated the outcome. ‘Tigrinho’ will remain in Brazil at least until January. 

Barça continue to hold hopes that La Liga might adopt a more lenient interpretation of Financial Fair Play in the upcoming months, potentially enabling the registration of the Brazilian international during the winter market.