Barcelona Sporting Director Deco had accepted alternative offer for Vitor Roque | OneFootball

Barcelona look set to loan out Vitor Roque this season to Real Betis, who have won the race for his signature by the looks of things. After speaking with the player in Barcelona on Monday, Los Verdiblancos were able to convince him.

The two clubs are believed to be finalising the details of a loan move, including the duration and any potential options to buy for Betis, which could involve Barcelona retaining half of his rights. As per Matteo Moretto, the decisive factor in the deal was Roque, who was set on joining Betis after their meeting. They will pay most of his €3.5m wages.

However Sporting CP were also in the race for him, with their Sporting Director Hugo Viana also in Barcelona at the time to try and close the deal. Moretto explains that Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco had accepted their offer of €20m plus €12m in variables to buy Roque. The Brazilian forward was open to the move initially, but decided ultimately to push for the move to Betis.

Roque will have the chance to prove himself in La Liga at the Benito Villamarin, with Chimy Avila and Cedric Bakambu for competition in the central striking positions. It could well be the making of him, and might be a needed intermediary step before going straight into a big club. All the same, clearly Barcelona would have been delighted to accept the money now, with their salary limit struggles ongoing.