Brazilian gem born in 2005 Vitor Roque to Barcelona will play for Barça after the Spanish club reached an agreement with Athletico Paranaense on Tuesday. The 18-year-old will sign a long-term deal in the next few days after he showed keen interest in joining only Barça in April. 

Furthermore, former Barcelona star Deco was crucial for this deal even though the transfer fee hasn’t been revealed, albeit reports indicate that it is between €35-40Million. It is also a long-term deal until 2029, while the player will have a €1B release clause.

The 18-year-old continues to impress this season with six goals in his last five games for Athletico Paranaense, and this brings his tally to seven goals, and two assists in thirteen fixtures this year in the Brazilian Serie A while he also has the goals in six Libertadores games.

Last year, he played 29 games in the Serie A and scored five games and two assists, and despite his current rich form, which has already better than last season’s numbers, he won’t be playing or moving to Spain until January 2024.

The deal comes in as Barcelona beats Manchester United to the teenager as the Red Devils were keen on hijacking the deal, but with the player previously stating his preference for Barcelona earlier in the year, it was always difficult for Manchester United.

“It is a dream not only of mine but also of any player who is appearing. If it becomes concrete to end up going to Barça, it will be a great joy for my family and for me… that’s why I have to continue working hard and hope that everything will come to fruition with the tempo.” Roque said.

Barcelona will also be happy to have beaten La Liga rivals Real Madrid, who also considered making a move for the teenager who has already made a national team appearance this year against Morocco in March in a 2-1 defeat.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu