Barcelona will be able to register Vitor Roque in January with space created from Gavi’s injury – report

Gavi’s injury this past weekend came as a huge blow to FC Barcelona as the midfielder ruptured his ACL and will not play again this season.

The 19-year-old’s long-term injury means that La Liga regulations allow the Blaugrana to sign a replacement even if they are exceeding the salary limit.

However, such a move would be subject to some conditions, starting with the fact that any signing can only be made in January and not outside the transfer window.

Beyond that, any incoming player would have to have a salary that is at most 80% of what Xavi earns and the signing would be valid only until the end of the season.

Barcelona can register Vitor Roque

Previously, it had been reported that Barcelona cannot make use of Gavi’s injury and the regulation to register Vitor Roque, who has already agreed to a long-term contract with the club.

However, now, Marta Ramon of RAC1 is claiming that Barça can go ahead and register Roque by using the space created by Gavi’s situation.

The Blaugrana signed Roque from Athletico Paranaense during the summer window in a deal worth €61 million, including add-ons. The teenage striker signed a long-term contract with the club until the summer of 2031.

Barça did not bring Roque to the club in the summer due to Financial Fair Play problems and let him continue at Athletico until 2024.

The plan has been to bring the 18-year-old to the club in January, but FFP regulations continue to be an issue, especially with the €40 million payment from Libero yet to arrive.

However, it is now being claimed that Roque could be registered by Barcelona in January with the space that Gavi’s injury will be creating.

As per the update, La Liga rules allow for an addendum to the youngster’s contract that comes into force in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether this is an avenue that Barcelona plan on exploring as they continue to wait for the Libero payment to come through.