Will Vitor Roque be the next FC Barcelona superstar?

Done deal

FC Barcelona has found its new striker for the next few years. The Catalan giant announced on its website that it has reached an agreement with Brazilian Athletico Paranaense on the transfer of Vitor Roque.

Until 2030/31

The 18-year-old Brazilian signed a deal up until the 2030/31 season and will join Barça for the 2024/25 campaign.

Picture: screenshot Twitter, @FCBarcelona

€40 million

According to specialist German football database website Transfermarkt, Barcelona paid €40 million ($44.9m US, £34.4m) for the young Brazilian, which is a bargain in the current market.

...but an astronomical buyout clause

Barça seems to believe in Roque, as the player's contract includes a €500 million buyout clause.

What makes him so special?

What makes Vitor Roque such a special player? Let's have a look at his career so far.

Cruzeiro

Roque was part of Cruzeiro's youth academy, before making a name for himself in the Belo Horizonte first team.

Debut in 2021

In October 2021, the Brazilian made his debut for Cruzeiro against Botafogo.

Picture: screenshot Instagram, @vitor_roque9

First goal

In February 2022, Roque scored his first goal in professional football, when he found the back of the net against Villa Nova.

Picture: screenshot Instagram, @vitor_roque9

6 goals, 1 assist

In total, Roque would make 16 appearances for Cruzeiro, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

Move to Athletico Paranaense

In April 2022, the young striker signed a contract with Athletico Paranaense, where he would continue to make an impact.

Scoring a winner

On 29 May 2022, Vitor Roque scored his first goal for Athletico Paranaense in a win against Cuiabá.

66 appareances, 22 goals

Vitor Roque would score 22 goals in 66 appearances for the club, which earned him a move to Spanish champions FC Barcelona.

Greatest skills

The Brazilian is known for his pace and physical strength, being able to outrun his opponents.

Good finishing skills

Roque combines his physical abilities with good finishing skills and clever movement on the pitch.

Modern day football

Overall, he seems to have the skills needed to excel in today's football, where physical strength is more important than ever.

Barça fans can't wait

Barça's fans are yearning for a new superstar after Lionel Messi's departure and cannot wait to welcome Vitor Roque to Camp Nou. Will he make as big an impression as the Argentine?