Barcelona reach agreement to sign Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque

The Brazilian is close to joining Barcelona after agreeing to join them

As reported by AS, Brazilian teen phenom Vitor Roque has decided to sign with FC Barcelona, who are currently making funds to purchase him from Athletico Paranaense.

This past weekend, SPORT announced that the 18-year-old will wear the number "9" for Barcelona in the 2023–2024 season.

According to both Spanish publications, the acquisition was made possible in large part by the new director of sports Deco.

This is due to his familiarity with the Brazilian market and his close association with the player's agent, Andre Cury, who was formerly Barca's consultant and talent scout in South America's biggest nation.

According to AS, the deal is done "at all levels," but it won't be publicised until Barca has sold three players or more, which will clear up a lot of room on the pay bill and enable them to satisfy Financial Fair Play requirements.

Barca will pay his present club approximately €40 million ($43.2 million) in three payments for Vitor Roque's five-year contract.

This is about €5 million ($5.4 million) less than what Real Madrid paid for Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in two different deals, but if the South American U-20 Cup champion reaches his full potential, it might turn out to be a good purchase.

The head coach is also interested in a defensive pivot to make up for skipper Sergio Busquets' retirement as well as an attacking midfielder moving into the coming campaign to defend the La Liga championship.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang will lose out as a result of the hiring of Vitor Roque since he won't be needed anymore, as was the case when he left Barcelona for Chelsea the previous summer.

The former AC Milan striker enjoyed a terrific spell at Barcelona but the arrival of Lewandowski was acquired from Bayern Munich saw the Gabonese striker sold to Chelsea.