WHAT HAPPENED?
Roque looked set to end his Barcelona nightmare earlier this week, only for La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to put a stop to the deal. However, FIFA then ruled the €25 million (£21m/$26m) signing could go through and now he is a Palmeiras player after signing a deal until December 2029.
WHAT VITOR ROQUE SAID
He told Palmeiras’ website: “I am very proud to be part of the Palmeiras family. These were tense days, full of anxiety for me and my family, but fortunately, everything worked out in the end. It is an honor to wear the jersey of Brazil’s greatest champion. Since the news began to surface about the possibility of me transferring to Palmeiras, I have received several messages from Palmeiras fans, and this affection has made all the difference. I can’t wait to join my team-mates and be on the field to help Palmeiras.”
O aniversário é seu, mas o presente é nosso 🥰
O novo atacante do #MaiorCampeãoDoBrasil chegou completando mais uma primavera! Feliz 2.0, Vitor Roque! 💚 pic.twitter.com/bEdk615S1z
— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras)
February 28, 2025
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Roque, 20, joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense for €35m (£30m/$39m) in July 2023 but scored just two goals in 16 appearances for the club in all competitions. He started this season on loan at Real Betis but now he is back in his native Brazil after a period of time where he considered quitting football. Roque will hope this move can reignite his career.