Vitor Hugo Roque Ferreira also known as Vitor Roque is the brand new acquisition made by FC Barcelona.
The 2005-born Brazilian currently plays for Athletico Paranaense and the U20 Brazil national team. An extremely talented individual who was monitored by various clubs over the summer will eventually join the Spanish Side from the 2024-25 season.
Since the age of 14, Vitor was regarded as a huge prospect and hence decided to change clubs and continue his development at Cruzeiro, where just like the Brazilian legend, Ronaldo he burst onto the scene and scored his first professional goal at the age of 16.
Back in April 2022, Athletico Paranaense paid the release clause of 24 million Euros to acquire the rights of the young forward from Cruzeiro, which is the most expensive signing in the club’s history. At Athletico Paranaense the 18-year-old has scored 22 goals over a period of 2 seasons.
A DREAM COME TRUE
The Brazilian had always been a fan of the Blaugrana which can be seen in a picture that has resurfaced from the year 2019 where he is seen holding a Number 10 Lionel Messi shirt along with his agent Ehler Pessoa. Vitor Roque had always dreamt of a big move to the Catalunya side, so he wasted no time in recreating that old picture after securing the big money move.
Recreating the picture not only signifies the growth of the youngster but also the fulfillment of a big dream he saw as a young 14-year-old uncertain of the future. It is also very rare for a player now a days to post a pic like this that shows their journey along with their agents.
Being impressed with his performances at both club and international level, Barcelona bought him for 40 million Euros, also keeping in mind that they needed a new striker with youngblood as Robert Lewandowski will be turning 35 this season.
Barcelona fought off competition from several premier clubs including a bid worth around 100 million Euros from Manchester United, as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, who were all very keen to land the signature of the Brazilian.
Roque signed a deal that would keep him at Camp Nou at least till the end of the 2030-31 season. Barcelona has also inserted a reported 500 million Euro release clause in his contract. He becomes the third signing of Barcelona after Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez.
Every season many clubs in Europe scout young Brazilians with tons of raw talent and bring them to the other side of the world, where very few reach the top level and fulfill their potential. We need to wait and see which side Vitor Roque ends up.