Key factors that could dictate Barcelona loanee’s potential €27 million transfer to Palmeiras | OneFootball

With ten days remaining before the transfer window closes in Brazil, Vitor Roque’s future remains uncertain.

The 19-year-old striker is currently on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona after having struggled to make an impact at the Catalan club upon his arrival in January 2024.

Palmeiras in Brazil are keen on re-signing the young centre-forward and have been testing the waters, although the transfer is tricky to pull off.

Barcelona’s position on Roque

Now, SPORT reports that Barcelona are open to selling Vitor Roque to Palmeiras, but only if a favourable financial agreement is reached. However, no official offer has yet been received.

Barcelona have been approached with formal enquiries in recent days, but the club will not take any action until Palmeiras present a formal offer that includes an agreement with the player – with the transfer fee expected to be around €27 million plus future add-ons.

The deal could be finalised either now or in June, but the player must take a decisive step, and Real Betis must give their approval – something Barça considers feasible given the strong relationship between both clubs.

Vitor Roque is a target for Palmeiras. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

For now, Barcelona are waiting for developments. Club sources confirm Palmeiras’ interest and mention an unofficial offer of €24 million, but no negotiations have started as they expect an official bid.

From Barcelona’s perspective, resolving Vitor Roque’s situation permanently would be ideal. The club needs a minimum bid of €27 million to avoid financial losses, as the player originally cost €30 million and is now seen as a failed signing.

Roque has not settled at Barcelona and is not part of the club’s future plans, making a permanent sale the priority rather than another loan spell. His current loan at Betis has also been unsuccessful, and Palmeiras appears to offer a good solution for all parties.

Real Betis’ stance

Meanwhile, Real Betis have publicly stated that Roque remains part of their squad, though his playing time will now be limited.

Cucho Hernandez and Cedric Bakambu are ahead of him in the pecking order, but the Verdiblancos see an opportunity to earn money from this operation, making negotiations more complicated.

Barcelona, however, have leverage. Betis must continue paying Roque’s wages and may also be required to compensate Barça with €1.5 million if the Brazilian does not reach a certain number of starts.

As such, offloading him now would provide significant financial relief for Betis, which could facilitate an agreement.

What about Roque?

Roque is reluctant to return to Brazil. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Roque has been reluctant to return to Brazil, but he recognises his difficult situation at Real Betis.

Palmeiras have offered him a lucrative contract and a key role as a franchise player, making the move more attractive. If he agrees, negotiations are expected to progress swiftly.

If Roque declines the offer, the deal will remain open until June, when Betis may have already moved on from the player, making negotiations easier.

Two scenarios possible

As mentioned earlier, Roque’s transfer could be finalised either this month or Palmeiras will return for him in June.

In both cases, Real Betis must approve the transfer since they hold an option to purchase 80% of the player’s rights or extend his loan.

Negotiations with Betis would be necessary, but Palmeiras expect Barcelona to handle this issue, as they believe the Andalusian outfit will demand a financial incentive – something the Blaugrana and the Brazilian club are not keen on.

While some European clubs, especially in Portugal, have expressed interest, they cannot match Palmeiras’ financial offer. The final decision is expected to unfold in the coming days or in June at the latest.