Barcelona will not give in to ‘blackmail’ after young forward’s agent issues ultimatum

Vitor Roque’s situation at FC Barcelona has been attracting a lot of attention. The 19-year-old arrived at the club in January from Athletico Paranaense but has barely featured.

Manager Xavi Hernandez has been reluctant to count on the teenage striker, leading to intense speculations over his future at the Catalan club.

Xavi’s decision to not use Roque even when the team needed goals against Girona drew a reaction from the player’s wife on social media before his agent, Andre Cury, lashed out in the media.

“He will not leave on loan. If he leaves, it will be on a permanent transfer,” said Cury, issuing an ultimatum to Barcelona.

“No one understands why Xavi doesn’t play him and doesn’t even speak to Vitor. There have been many games in which he could have given him minutes and he hasn’t. 

“I don’t understand. It is not right, we will discuss his future with Barça soon,” he added.

Barcelona unfazed by Cury’s statements

Now, MARCA has come forward with an update on the situation at the club following the statements made by Andre Cury.

As per the report, in the Barça offices, they are very clear that they will not give in to any ‘blackmail’ – neither will Xavi nor Deco.

Roque has barely played since joining Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Since arriving in the winter, Roque has participated in 13 matches for Barcelona, accruing 310 minutes and has scored two goals.

As far as the Blaugrana are concerned, the cautiousness in his incorporation into the team is because he arrived after an injury and he requires a process to acclimatise to La Liga, to Barça, and also because of the great competition that there is in the attack.

After all, Xavi has Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Joao Felix, and Ferran Torres to count on in attack.

Barcelona will not alter plans

From the offices of Barcelona, they insist that the planning for the squad will be decided by Xavi and Deco, and not by people outside the institution. They do not listen to ultimatums from agents like Cury.

Regarding Cury’s statement about Xavi not speaking with Roque, the club has assured that the coach has had a large number of meetings with the attacker, explaining both his situation and what he expects from him on the pitch.

The pressure tactic will not cause Xavi to give Roque more minutes nor will Barcelona keep him in the squad if the sporting department and the coach do not think it is appropriate and prefer to bet on a loan exit so that he can gain minutes and experience.