Serie A giants confirm failed attempt to sign Barcelona misfit – ‘They wanted €40 million’ | OneFootball

Fiorentina sporting director Daniel Prade has confirmed that they tried to sign Barcelona misfit Vitor Roque in the summer but were put off by the Catalans’ exaggerated demands.

Roque was a subject of transfer interest from a plethora of clubs across Europe during the summer window.

The 19-year-old centre-forward never got going after joining Barcelona in January this year and eventually fell out of favour, despite the change in managers.

Fiorentina, for one, were interested in acquiring his services, and had held talks with Barcelona. But the Blaugrana’s demands for the 19-year-old striker were deemed excessive by the Italian giants.

“We tried to sign Vitor Roque but there were impossible conditions at that moment,” said Prade, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“Barça wanted €40 million for Roque so… no chance,” he added.

Vitor Roque left Barcelona to join Real Betis. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

With a move to Fiorentina not materialising, Roque ended up joining La Liga club Real Betis, only on a loan deal for one season, with an option for another year while the Seville-based outfit also have a purchase option in the deal.

The youngster has spoken out about his disappointing stint at Barcelona recently, airing out his frustrations, saying:

“It was a bit complicated for me. I had some opportunities, but not the way I had imagined. My mind is clear now, and I’m focused on Betis and grateful for the chance to wear the national team shirt again.

“I think it was complicated in general. I thought it was going to be different, both in the treatment and in the way of playing, as well as in the way the board spoke to me.”