Vitor Roque could join Barcelona this summer if Dembele leaves – report

With Ousmane Dembele looking likely to depart for PSG in the coming days, his exit could pave the way for Barcelona to bring forward Vitor Roque’s arrival to this summer itself.

This report comes from Catalunya Radio, who claim that Barça could consider that possibility if Dembele does indeed secure a move away.

The 26-year-old has a release clause worth €50 million in his current contract with Barcelona, but the value of that will rise to €100 million after midnight today.

Given the time constraints and the Frenchman’s desire to leave the club amicably, both Barça and PSG will negotiate a fee for him, with the former setting a five-day deadline to close an agreement.

Dembele’s exit could lead to Roque’s arrival

It has been suggested that Dembele could leave the club for around €40-50 million, potentially freeing up around €25 million for FFP.

That could be of major help for Barcelona as far as the registrations of new contracts and new arrivals is concerned.

Barça secured the signing of Roque from Athletico Paranaense earlier this summer in a deal worth €30 million in fixed fee and another €31 million in variables, of which €5 million is related to Ballon d’Or clauses.

But the La Liga champions confirmed that the 18-year-old striker would only arrive at the club next year due to the FFP issues.

The Catalans, though, have been working behind the scenes to find a strategy that would enable them to advance the teenager’s joining and Dembele’s exit could provide them with the window to do just that.

Roque, who has signed a contract with Barça until 2031, has been in red-hot form in Brazil, bagging 16 goals and seven assists from 34 games in all competitions.

It will be interesting to see if Barcelona do pursue this avenue or look to bring in someone like Bernardo Silva this summer, while waiting for Roque to join next year.