Why have Barcelona signed Vitor Roque? How much did the Brazilian cost the LaLiga giants?

Not 19 until February, Vitor Roque has arrived in Barcelona to much fanfare, with fans of the club hoping the Brazilian attacker will have the same kind of immediate impact as compatriot Ronaldo in 1996. The difference, of course, being “O Fenômeno” had already proven himself in European soccer with PSV Eindhoven and starred at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

How much did Barça spend on Vitor Roque?

The reality, however, is that Roque should be seen as one for the future, like when Real Madrid first signed Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, and are again trying to do with Endrick. Barça’s deal for the teenager is worth €60 million (around $66.4 million), half of which is a fixed fee, with the other half depends on a number of conditions being met.

What kind of player is the Brazilian teenager?

Although many would argue it would be unwise to expect too much, too soon from an inexperienced player, the Catalans are hopeful their newest recruit can make a contribution in the coming weeks and months. One of the main reasons for which they decided to sign Roque was due to his efficiency in front of goal, while both sporting director Deco and head coach Xavi Hernández have highlighted his knack of finding space and being in the right place at the right time in attacking areas.

The 18-year-old is likely to prove a threat on the counter-attack, which Barcelona’s current roster is lacking. Although Roque generally drifts across the entire front line, his preference is to pull away to the right flank when breaking forward.

Barça have also been impressed by the forward’s decision-making in the final third. Statistically, the LaLiga side have been one of the least clinical teams in Europe this season, which they hope Roque will help change.

What role will Roque have at Barça in 2023-24?

What role will the Brazilian have in the second half of the season? Robert Lewandowski will still be the first pick as centre-forward, with the transition away from the Pole to Roque, assuming he does enough to impress, likely to take place gradually. However, Xavi’s last press conference of 2023, in which he was fiercely critical of his players, suggested none of them can be too sure of their places in the team when LaLiga gets back underway in early January. If so, Roque could manage to force his way in provided he hits the ground running.