Barcelona reject €20 million Serie A offer for 50% rights of teenage forward

It is no secret that Barcelona are actively seeking to transfer Vitor Roque, but recent developments have complicated their efforts. 

According to a recent report from SPORT, the deal with Serie A club Lazio has encountered a significant issue. Lazio, despite their willingness to negotiate, have not been able to meet Barcelona’s demands for the young forward.

The deal that was being discussed between Roque’s representatives and Lazio is now in jeopardy especially after Barcelona turned down Lazio’s proposal as they are holding out for a better offer in the coming weeks.

What was Lazio’s offer?

Lazio offered to pay €20 million for 50% of Roque’s transfer fee, with the remainder due upon a future sale. 

However, Barcelona have rejected this proposal, as they value Roque at €40 million for a complete transfer. Lazio are not in a position to meet this valuation, which has led to the breakdown of their negotiations.

Vitor Roque is most likely to leave Barcelona this summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In the meantime, Barcelona are exploring other options. One potential deal could be with Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club willing to meet the €40 million asking price and offer additional bonuses that could increase the final amount. 

Although this offer is financially attractive, Roque and his representatives are reluctant to move to Saudi Arabia despite the generous financial terms.

Barcelona want to push for this deal

It is said that Al Hilal’s proposal remains on the table, and Barcelona hope to push the issue once Roque returns from the team’s tour of the United States. 

Securing this transfer would significantly benefit Barcelona’s finances, helping them recover their investment and potentially make a profit on a player not in the plans of coach Hansi Flick.

Roque has expressed a preference to stay in Europe, which makes Lazio’s offer more appealing to him. Barcelona have also received loan offers for Roque, but they are currently focused on achieving a permanent sale. 

Clubs like FC Porto and Real Betis have shown interest in taking Roque on loan. However, these offers would only cover a single season with an optional buy clause, which Barcelona are not keen to accept at this time.