Barcelona cannot pay €45 million for striker, hoping he stays in Brazil until 2024 | OneFootball

Barcelona’s squad planning heading into the summer transfer window is beginning to take shape. One of the positions the club has scrutinized is the striker role, with Lewandowski, at 34 years of age, currently handling the reigns.

In the hopes of reinforcing the front-line with a young and promising back-up striker, Vitor Roque has long been on the Catalans’ radar. The Brazilian has enjoyed a spectacular upward trajectory over with the months as many of Europe’s elite sides continue to eye his situation.

While Barca’s interest in the 18-year-old has not faded by any means, according to journalist Toni Juanmarti, finances prevent them from making an immediate move for Roque in the upcoming transfer window.

According to the report, the Blaugrana board is certain that the Brazilian “will be a player who makes a difference.”

However, due to the numerous “fair play” issues with money and the other operations that Barça must pursue this summer, “right now they can’t pay the €45 million” Athletico Paranaense are seeking for Vitor Roque.

The journalist further claims that Barcelona aspire the player will turn down offers until 2024, when the Blaugranas will finally be in a better condition financially.

Roque’s high price tag, despite playing outside of Europe, stems from his innate potential. ‘Tigrinho’, who has played in 30 official matches, including his debut with the Brazil first squad, has scored 15 goals (plus four assists) in just five months of participation.

As of now, the Catalan giants have other more pressing matters to deal with. Once La Liga approve the Feasibility Plan, the club has prioritized making a move for Lionel Messi, solve their renewal issues, and ensure that a worthy replacement for Busquets is signed.

Such concerns currently hold more weight, which is why Barca yearn for Roque to bide his time before the player can be made an official bid.