Barcelona’s €45m imminent new signing rejected advances from a Premier League club

Vitor Roque’s move to Barcelona finally appears to be a done deal. The Brazilian youngster always prioritized a move to Spotify Camp Nou despite the countless suitors at his doorstep, and his dream is finally a reality.

The Catalans have reportedly reached an agreement to sign the player until 2029, with his current employers, Athletico Paranaense, receiving a fee of €35 million with €10 million in variables.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s competitors did not give up until the very end in trying to lure Roque away. In fact, a top English side tried to hijack the deal even at the last moment. However, the youngster’s grit to sign for Barcelona helped them get over the line.

Athletico Paranaense will retain the striker’s services until the end of the Brazilian league season which ends in December. Roque will subsequently join Xavi Hernandez’s setup in January when the winter transfer market opens, thus giving him the chance to continue his development in Brazil for five months.

The 18-year-old has been fundamental to Wesley Carvalho’s side this season, scoring a stunning seven goals and providing two assists in just 13 Brasileiro Serie A appearances. He is, in fact, the second-highest goalscorer in the league ahead of the likes of Luis Suarez and Hulk.

With Robert Lewandowski still on point for the Catalans, Roque would play second fiddle for most of next season had he arrived this month. Needless to say, postponing his arrival by six months is the best solution for all parties involved.

At just 18 years of age, Roque is one of the world football’s best-attacking prospects. Apart from his finesse on the field, the youngster is said to have a real hunger to learn and a willingness to adapt which Xavi Hernandez values a lot.