Barcelona have officially announced the signing of Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense.
The 18-year-old forward is set to join the Catalans from the start of the 2024-25 season on a deal which will run until the summer of 2031.
“The release clause is fixed at 500 million euros ($551 million),” said Barcelona in a statement.
"Culers, I’m very happy to sign with Barça. It's a dream come true. Tigrinho is coming to Barcelona. See you soon. Força Barça!"
— Vitor Roque 🐅 pic.twitter.com/gwEBganOvU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 12, 2023
According to Spanish reports, the Catalans will pay 30 million euros plus an additional 31 million euros for the Brazilian striker.
Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez joined Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, despite the Catalan giants’ continuing financial difficulties.
They are currently restricted to spending only fifty percent of any savings or new income due to La Liga financial restrictions on clubs exceeding their spending limit.
Roque, one of the most promising young players in Brazilian soccer, has scored six goals in his last six games.
The forward made his debut for the Brazilian national team in March and can play in both wide areas and the centre.
Roque finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals as Brazil won the South American Under-20 championship earlier this year.
Barcelona is still searching for a holding midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, who left the club at the end of the previous season to join Inter Miami.
