Barcelona are attempting to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, but even if they agree a deal for the forward, attempting to register him in time for next season will be difficult.
The Blaugrana are in hot pursuit of the 18-year-old, who could be seen as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, but their financial issues may prevent an immediate move for the Athletico Paranaense striker.
A report from SPORT has claimed that, while Barcelona are still interested in a deal, completing the signing without a major sale would be “impossible.”
An option could be to agree a deal with both club and player for him to arrive in a years’ time, when the financial situation may allow a transfer more easily. But, if they want Roque now, then a big name may have to depart in order to finance a move.
Who could Barcelona sell to fund Vitor Roque?
Out of the club’s main sellable assets, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres seem to be the likeliest candidates to depart in order to finance a move for the wonderkid.
It may be a risk to sell more proven players in favour of a teenager, yet given that neither player is a regular starter, there may be less reluctance to let them leave if a big offer arrives.
Fati has not yet reached the levels he was showing before a long-term injury layoff, while Torres has disappointed at times since his big-money move from Manchester City.
Both players are still young enough that they could improve if given further chances next season. Particularly in the case of Fati, selling a player who was once the most promising talent to come out of La Masia may not be a deal which is looked on favourably by all.
The ideal solution may be to agree a future deal for Victor Roque, allowing him to develop further in Brazil, while securing his arrival in 12 months.
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