Vitor Roque to Barcelona: Brazilian set for EYE-WATERING release clause at Camp Nou

Cameron Smith

• 4 Jul 2023 19:25 BST
• 3 min read

Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque is set to have an eye-watering €1 billion release clause included in his Barcelona contract when he joins the Camp Nou side, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Roque, 18, is set to sign for the Blaugrana in the coming days, although the current plan is that he will not officially link up with the first-team squad until 2024.

That is what has been reported by Romano, who has also revealed that Roque’s preference has been to sign for Barcelona since April, despite interest from the likes of Manchester United.

READ: Messi warned about MLS by former Barcelona teammate

In fact, the Red Devils have entered the race to sign Roque, according to Mundo Deportivo, as they look to upgrade their forward line. However, it seems as though Barcelona have all but wrapped up a deal to bring the teenager to Camp Nou.

Roque has already made his Brazil debut - appearing as a 65th minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat Morocco in March - and is thought of as one of the country’s most prodigious talents.

Chelsea new boy Andrey Santos also featured in the loss to Morocco as Brazil boss Tite decided to give youth a chance to shine in the senior set-up.

READ: Man City prepare €110m bid for Man Utd target De Jong

How good is Roque?

Roque only joined Athletico Paranaense from Cruzeiro in April 2022, but he is set to leave the club having made 65 appearances in total. He has notched 22 goals and provided eight assists in that time, having scored six in just 16 games for Cruzeiro before departing.

In fact, Roque became Athletico Paranaense’s record signing in 2022, after they activated his €4.3 million release clause.

Deco, who is now Barcelona’s sporting director, has played a crucial role in securing the deal for Roque, according to Romano. The former Barca player previously led the club’s scouting network in Brazil.