Vitor Roque set to sign for Barcelona in January | OneFootball

Following Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, Deco commented on Barcelona’s long-standing interest in 18-year-old star Vitor Roque, saying, “We’re going to go for him.” Barcelona have, for a while hoped to bring in a striker to alleviate their goal-scoring problems of late, and Roque is considered the perfect striker for them.

Deco’s comments are looking likely to come to fruition, as AS report that a deal to bring the Brazilian to the club is all but complete, and the player may sign for the club in the upcoming January transfer window. The Catalan side are finishing up the paperwork and are 99% of the way there in terms of the requirements from both La Liga and Athletico Paranaense. Once the formalities are complete, all that awaits is for the club to be given the green light to complete the signing.

The original stumbling block was centred around economic conditions, however, following Gavi’s injury, the sporting federation will have to pay 80% of his wages while he is sidelined, giving the club a sufficient salary margin to bring Roque to the club in January.

With respect to the Brazilian’s current club, they are carefully checking the contract to ensure there is no legal impediment that would prevent bringing in the player ahead of schedule. What Barcelona have made clear is that they will not pay any additional fees to sign the player in January instead of at the end of the season.

GSFN | Finn Entwistle