Vitor Roque’s January arrival at FC Barcelona is in jeopardy.
Vitor Roque’s expected January arrival at FC Barcelona is in jeopardy because of the club’s Financial Fair Play issues according to Mundo Deportivo. At SPORT, they say the move is “impossible” as things stand.
The Catalans agreed a transfer worth €30 million ($32 million) in fixed money plus €31 million ($33 million) in variables with Athletico Paranaenese for the youngster, who is currently considered one of the best players in South American club football.
Barca spent just €3.4 million ($3.6 million) on reinforcements this summer through the purchase of Oriol Romeu, though they did pick up Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martienz on free transfers while also landing Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo on loan.
Given a shortage of players on the wing with Ansu Fati and Ez Abde eventually departing, there was an attempt to get Vitor Roque earlier.
Athletico-PR wouldn’t cave, however, as they need their star player to help guarantee qualification for the Copa Libertadores next term before he crosses the Atlantic.
The Brazilian domestic season runs across the calendar year, so the original plan for Vitor Roque to don Blaugrana at the start of 2024 is still in place.
According to Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, however, that development is in jeopardy thanks to Barca’s Financial Fair Play predicament.
On Thursday, La Liga revealed that Barca’s salary limit for the 2023/2024 season has dropped from €648 million ($693 million) to €270 million ($288 million).
This comes after EFE reported last week that Barca’s wage bill has been reduced by €161 million ($172 million) to almost €405 million ($433 million).
If the figures are accurate, Barca are currently exceeding the limit set by the Spanish top flight and will need to do a great matter of financial gymnastics to balance the books.
This is why MD report how it is only through selling an “important player”, which the club doesn’t want, more assets, or finalising sponsorship deals that Vitor Roque can arrive on the cusp of Barca heading into the business end of their current campaign.
Elsewhere, though, at least €40 million ($42.7 million) could boost the club’s coffers if Libero Football Finance come forward with the amount for their stake in Barca Studios which was negotiated last month.
