LALIGA
Xavi Hernández pushing to take Vitor Roque to Barcelona in January after Robert Lewandowski injury
Barça have been left incredibly light in attack thanks to an injury suffered by Lewandowski, who is a doubt for El Clásico.
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández has been left in no doubt: he needs Vitor Roque in January. The recent injury picked up Robert Lewandowski’s has underlined the need for the LaLiga giants to strengthen in the centre-forward position, with neither Ferran Torres nor any reserve team players, such as Ángel Alarcón, consideredadequate replacements for the Pole.
Vitor Roque also injured: how long is he out for?
Sporting director Deco, as well as several influential board members, have stressed to Xavi they intend to do everything in their power to bring forward the Brazilian youngster’s impending switch to Catalonia. However, somewhat aptly considering Barça’s significant injury issues, the 18-year-old has suffered a Grade 3 ankle sprain and won’t be available to play until the start of 2024.
AS has learned that Xavi has called Vitor Roque to personally reassure him the club want him in the January transfer window and that his sole focus should be on getting back to full fitness.
Veteran Lewandowski Barça’s only recognised striker
The Barcelona coaching staff see the signing of the Athletico Paranaense teenager as crucial to helping the team take another step forward. With only 19 first-team players on the roster, there is a lack of strength in depth, particularly in attack, with Lewandowski the only recognised striker. Vitor Roque’s arrival would not only give the squad more balance but would also ease the pressure on the former Bayern Munich veteran, who could miss El Clásico against Real Madrid on 28 October.
How Barcelona can afford to sign Vitor Roque in January
Behind the scenes, the club is working hard to ensure the Brazilian could join in January without any other players having to be sold to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations. Barça are still hopeful of receiving the remaining €40 million ($42.45 million) of the €60 million ($63.67 million) pledged by German investor fund Libero for a chunk of TV rights, while Frenkie de Jong’s potential contract extension, which would see part of his earnings deferred for the first few seasons, could also allow them some wiggle room.
On Tuesday, Eduard Romeu, the club’s economic vice president, told several media outlets the door is open for Vitor Roque to arrive in January and the club will make it happen “if the coach asks us to.”
No funds for another defensive midfielder
As well as in attack, an ideal world would also see La Blaugrana recruit an extra defensive midfielder, with Oriol Romeu the only specialist in that role, which the more attack-minded Ilkay Gündogan has performed in recent matches. However, Xavi is aware that financial limitations mean he will most likely have to make do with what he has got in that position between now and the end of the season.