Barcelona FC has put an end to one of the longest 'soap operas' in the transfer market. After several weeks of tense negotiations and auctions among various teams, Vitor Roque has finally decided to wear Real Betis' shirt next season. The forward fulfills his wish to stay in LaLiga EA Sports and heads to Seville on loan until June 30, 2025, with an option for another season. Additionally, the Andalusian team will cover the player's wages and retains a purchase option.
From the offices of Benito Villamarin, they decided to go all out for 'Tigrinho' in the last days and launched a strong offensive that convinced the goal scorer to join their ranks. Led by former footballer Joaquín Sánchez, the Betis delegation landed in Barcelona to meet the player and sell him their project, charming Roque with their proposal as the striker truly felt the Andalusian team had a strong desire for him to be their '9'.
At Barça, faced with the player's firm stance, they had no choice but to approve this proposal and give up the nearly 30 million euros that Sporting Lisbon seemed willing to pay for the Brazilian. Furthermore, as it's a loan for a player who wasn't registered, his departure won't count towards the wage bill and won't help reduce the financial fair play limit, with Betis solely assuming his wages.
Vitor Roque and his entourage were more than satisfied with the offer from the green and white team, as their main goal and great ambition are to prove in one of the best leagues in the world that he's ready to compete at the highest level. Hansi Flick didn't see him ready to wear the Blaugrana shirt and playing in the Portuguese league didn't motivate him much, so his arrival in Andalusia fits perfectly with his aspirations.
Barça will keep track of him
From an economic standpoint, the operation isn't the most beneficial for the cules, but from a sporting perspective, it is beneficial as the Catalan institution retains control over the South American player. From the offices of Spotify Camp Nou, they stand by their bet on 'Tigrinho' and will be able to better assess the player in a local championship team whose goal is to compete in European competitions, under the guidance of one of the best coaches in the league, Manuel Pellegrini.
Therefore, Roque finds the answer to the 'ordeal' he experienced since arriving in Spain. The Brazilian arrived in Spain during the last winter transfer window from Athletico Paranaense for 30 million euros, plus another 30 in variables. The reinforcement didn't convince Xavi, who gave him just 353 minutes in 16 official matches where he scored two goals. Now, the forward will seek to seize his new opportunity at Betis to prove that he is ready to play on the big stages.