OFFICIAL: Vitor Roque Departs Barcelona and Joins New Club
The Brazilian forward didn't convince Hansi Flick and is heading to Real Betis on loan with an option to buy.
Forward Vitor Roque will play for Real Betis next season after both clubs reached an agreement for the Brazilian's loan until June 30, 2025, with an option for an additional season, as announced by Barcelona on Monday.
The Catalan club confirmed that Betis will cover the player's salary and retain a purchase option, though the specifics of the deal were not disclosed.
Vitor Roque, 19, joined Barcelona last summer on an eight-year contract—until June 30, 2031—with a release clause of €500 million ($540 million). The transfer was agreed for a fixed fee of €30 million ($32.5 million) plus an additional €31 million ($33.5 million) in variables.
Originally, his arrival from Athletico Paranaense was not expected until this summer, but Barcelona's scoring struggles and a long-term injury to Pablo Páez Gavira, 'Gavi,' accelerated his move to Catalonia by six months during the winter transfer window, amid much media anticipation.
Despite a promising start, scoring two goals in two matches against Osasuna (1-0) and Deportivo Alavés (1-3), Roque's impact was minimal in the latter part of the season. The Brazilian, who had recorded 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 appearances with Athletico Paranaense, failed to gain the trust of then-coach Xavi Hernández, limiting him to just 353 minutes over 16 games, with only two starts and none completed.
The situation didn't improve with the sacking of Xavi and the arrival of Hansi Flick, as Roque lost further prominence during preseason and was left out of the squad for the Joan Gamper Trophy and the first two matches of LaLiga EA Sports.
Under Pellegrini's Command
The 19-year-old is now fully integrated under coach Manuel Pellegrini as Betis prepares for a crucial week, including a European qualifier where they hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, followed by a visit to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu next Sunday.
Vitor Roque, who joins on a one-season loan with an option for a second, was welcomed by his new teammates with a traditional tunnel after Pellegrini’s team talk. Pellegrini had scheduled a recovery session for Sunday's starters in Mendizorroza.