Keep or sell – What should Barcelona do with Vitor Roque?

FC Barcelona have faced significant financial challenges since Joan Laporta resumed his presidency, yet the club has managed to execute several high-profile signings.

Among these was the acquisition of Vitor Roque last summer, a move that generated considerable excitement given the Brazilian’s impressive performances in the Brasileiro.

His potential was deemed worth the investment, leading Barcelona to secure his services in a deal worth €61 million, including add-ons.

However, recent months have revealed the pitfalls of that decision. Despite the substantial outlay, Barcelona’s investment in Roque has not paid off, which is largely attributable to the club’s own strategic missteps.

The signing was made despite former coach Xavi Hernandez’s reservations, and Roque was registered in January against the coach’s preference.

Since joining the squad, the South American’s opportunities have been limited, resulting in minimal playing time and raising questions about the prudence of the initial investment.

Even with Hansi Flick’s arrival, things have not changed for the 19-year-old. As such, Barcelona have been left to ponder whether to persist with the young striker or cut their losses in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Overview of Vitor Roque’s time at Barcelona

Roque was never given a proper chance by Xavi. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Roque was all smiles in January when he finally got the chance to pose in front of the cameras, proudly wearing the Barcelona crest.

Coming on the back of a successful stint with Athletico Paranense, where he notched over 25 goals and assists, the Brazilian was expected to walk into the Barcelona starting lineup and solve their crippling lack of efficiency.

However, things did not go according to plan. A prolonged adaptation phase and minimal game-time led to growing concerns about Roque’s frequent exclusions from the squad.

The Brazilian international showed promise by scoring in back-to-back games against Osasuna and Alaves, leading many to believe this would be his breakthrough moment.

Despite these performances, the coaching staff continued to overlook him. Even when Robert Lewandowski showed signs of fatigue or there was an opening in the frontline, Roque would be found warming the bench.

The situation reached a boiling point when his agent, Andre Cury, publicly questioned Xavi and hinted that if things did not change, Roque would seek an exit this summer.

Barcelona have no room for Roque

With the start of the new season in sight, Barcelona are in a difficult position. Roque might potentially fill the vacuum left by the team’s lack of natural strikers.

The club’s financial difficulties and the stringent Financial Fair Play rules, however, present formidable obstacles.

Barça want to sign Dani Olmo and Nico Williams. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Barça’s spending and salary budget have been rigorously scrutinised, and there is not much space for new player registrations without going over these budgetary limits.

In fact, the Catalans are desperate to facilitate sales to fund their desired targets. Nico Williams’ arrival seems imminent, but Barcelona are also keen on signing Dani Olmo and a defensive midfielder. Still, these acquisitions hinge on offloading current players first.

Furthermore, given that Roque’s registration in January was done as a loan signing, he will need to be re-registered again this summer.

Consequently, the departure of the 19-year-old is being strongly contemplated in the Barcelona headquarters. Concrete interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal has increased the possibility of an exit.

Are Barcelona well covered in the striker position?

While Roque’s sales would, in theory, allow Barcelona to fulfil many of their aspirations in the transfer market, the lack of options in the centre-forward position makes him a rare asset.

Reports suggest that Ferran Torres will be Hansi Flick’s primary backup for Robert Lewandowski next season, while Pau Victor is set to fill the void left by Marc Guiu.

Both forwards possess a unique eye for goal and proved their worth to the respective teams last season.

Roque provides a different flavour in Barça’s attacking unit. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

That said, none of them quite match Roque’s instinctive ability to attack space and make runs behind the defence. Although the 19-year-old may lag behind some teammates in on-ball abilities, few can rival his knack for exploiting vacant spaces.

His two goals for Barcelona this year exemplify the unique profile he offers, something the Blaugranes could certainly benefit from against specific opponents.

Conclusion

In any case, selling the former Athletico Paranense prospect would significantly deplete Barcelona’s options in the front line and calls for a reevaluation of their priorities.

Trading him for an attacking midfielder like Dani Olmo, a profile already well-represented in the squad, would be short-sighted.

Moreover, selling Roque after giving him minimal playing time sends the wrong message to aspiring youngsters. If the club shows a lack of trust in their own investments, it undermines their appeal as a destination for emerging talents.

As such, retaining Roque is a far more sensible route at this point in time. But even if his sale is to materialize, Barcelona must ensure the funds from his departure are used sensibly so cases like these do not repeat and blemish the club’s reputation.