Brazilian giants want to sign Barcelona youngster this month; optimistic about deal | OneFootball

There could be immediate and significant developments with regard to the future of Vitor Roque, who is currently on loan from Barcelona at Real Betis until the end of the season, with an option to extend it for another year.

As reported in recent weeks, Brazilian club Palmeiras have shown an interest in signing the teenage centre-forward and could now be prepared to act on it.

Palmeiras want Vitor Roque this month

Indeed, Brazilian news portal UOL (h/t SPORT) reports that Palmeiras are ready to sign Vitor Roque, nicknamed ‘Tigrinho’ this February.

The transfer window in South America remains open until February 28, and Palmeiras are actively searching for a striker.

The Barça loanee is favoured by both the technical management and the coach, Abel Ferreira. The Brazilians have also shown interest in another centre-forward, Roberto Firmino, who is ready to leave Saudi Arabian football.

According to UOL, though, Palmeiras will seek Barcelona’s cooperation to facilitate the deal as it will be a complex negotiation involving Real Betis as well.

There is some concern that the Andalusian club, who have no obligation to let go of the forward, could ask for financial compensation in order to allow his departure now that the transfer window has closed in La Liga.

Palmeiras want Vitor Roque. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Palmeiras expect Barcelona to handle the deal and negotiate directly with Betis. There is a good relationship between the Blaugrana and the Verdiblancos and the Brazilian giants are optimistic that the operation could be completed in the next two weeks.

There is a sense of hope because they believe that Barça could be the driving force behind this move.

Palmeiras had attempted to sign Tigrinho already last month, offering €27 million for 80% of the player’s economic rights, which would allow Barcelona to recover the investment made in the young forward.

If the deal does not materialise now, Palmeiras plan to revisit the possibility in June, when an extraordinary transfer window will open starting June 2, as stipulated by FIFA before the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States of America.

Barcelona, who decided not to keep Roque at the club this season, have made it clear that they are open to cashing in on the player, especially now that, since January, they have returned to the 1:1 financial fair play rule.

On Betis’ side, they strengthened their attack in January with the signing of Cucho Hernandez, which could open the doors for Roque’s exit.

In their last two La Liga matches against Athletic Club and Celta Vigo, the Brazilian was benched with Manuel Pellegrini opting for Cedric Bakambu.