Newcastle United have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, who has been labelled as some as ‘the new Ronaldo’.
According to Goal, the Magpies have joined the likes of FC Barcelona and PSG in the growing pack of clubs interested in signing Roque, who was one of the breakout stars in Brazil last year as the 17-year-old bagged an impressive 14 goals in all competitions for Athletico Paranaense.
As mentioned, comparisons to the Brazilian Ronaldo have already started as per Goal, with Roque turning heads in South America as clubs from Europe are now lining up to sign the teenage attacker, who has a release clause worth €60m (£52m).
Newcastle have been heavily linked with many Brazilian and South American youngster since the PIF takeover in late 2021. However, the Magpies are yet to actually win a single transfer race for such a wonderkid, with the Toon recently missing out on Andrey Santos to Chelsea.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side will want to get their hands on a Brazilian wonderkid, and Roque could be an ideal signing for Newcastle given the teenager’s position and record in 2022, with the youngster lighting up the Brasileiro Serie A as well as the Copa Libertadores.
With the finances there to make a move, Newcastle will not want a repeat of Santos happening again this window. And with a £52m release clause, the Toon could make a huge statement in signing Roque ahead of their Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Newcastle must bite the bullet and sign Roque
Newcastle are yet to make a major move in the January transfer window despite Chelsea already spending well over £50m on three new signings. And in the case of Roque, the Magpies must go all out to bring the teenager to the northeast with competition on the rise for the Brazilian.
After all, the Magpies are yet to secure their diamond wonderkid signing under the PIF regime, and Roque will be good an opportunity as ever to finally sign that player, even with the likes of Barcelona and PSG lurking in the deep to pounce.
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