Xavi admits that Vitor Roque has opted not to use the Brazilian striker over the past month and that he had no plans to join Barcelona in the winter.
Roque's deal with Atlético Paranaense could end up at €61 million, with a fixed fee of €30 million plus an add-on of €31 million. But his first months in Spain were not impressive. The transfer was agreed in the summer of 2023 with the aim that Roque could join the Catalans a year later. But that date was brought forward in the middle of the season.
Harvey explained to reporters: "Our intention is not to have Roque come in December. ”。“ Our plan is for him to stay [in Brazil] and continue to grow. With the injuries of Gavi and (Alejandro) Balde, that selection began. ”
Roque scored from the bench in consecutive games against Osasuna and Alaves in the weeks following his arrival. But he has also started just twice in all competitions, has not played in the Champions League at all, and has been an unused substitute in Barca's last four La Liga games.
But while Roque could have stayed in Brazil, having scored 21 goals for Atlético in all competitions in 2023, Barça felt it would be better for him to at least train with them, even if the actual game time was rather limited.
"For his training, we think it's the best," the coach explained. "For me, there was a debate that didn't make sense. He's a player in training. There are footballers in front of him, that's how I understand it. He's been with young footballers all his life," Xavi added, referring to Roque's lack of overall senior experience.
But being left in the shadows was not well received by the player camp. Andre Curry represents Roque, and earlier this month, he threatened to find a new club for his clients if there is no more playing time. "Either the player stays to prove himself or if the club decides he can't stay, he'll be sold. There are a lot of interested teams," he warned.