Xavi pushing Barcelona director Deco to rope in Brazilian wonderkid in January

While Barcelona were unable to conclude the summer transfer window with Vitor Roque residing within their ranks, the Brazilian signed a contract until the 2030/31 season with a buy-out clause of €500 million.

There has been incessant chatter on the grapevine regarding Roque’s imminent arrival, as it currently remains to be seen whether Tigrinho will be incorporated into the Catalans’ squad in January or next season.

Roque could join in January

While the club initially announced that the striker would officially join Barcelona in June 2024, the talk has always been to bring him into the team in January itself.

However, recent reports have suggested that such a plan could be in jeopardy after Barcelona’s salary limit for the 2023/24 season was set by La Liga.

But, manager Xavi Hernandez continues to push sporting director Deco to create leeway in the wage bill as he aspires to see Roque join Barcelona as soon as possible, reports AS.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Mallorca, Xavi recently gave rise to the possibility of Barcelona acquiring Roque in January.

“There is a possibility in January. The doctors have spoken and there is no operation, he will undergo conservative treatment to recover well,” Xavi remarked.

Roque’s January arrival a priority

Following the injury Roque endured, which is likely to keep him out of action for the remainder of the year, Barcelona aims to bring him to the club at the earliest and prevent any more unnecessary stoppages in his development.

Furthermore, providing competition and rest to Robert Lewandowski is seen as a primary motive. At 35 years of age, the Polish striker is not getting any younger and he would thus benefit from a back-up as renowned as Roque.

Barça recognise the value of Roque, who had already netted 20 goals for Athletico Paranaense this season before being fatefully injured.

As such, Barcelona will do everything in their power to bring him over in January, with it being regarded as a priority now.