Barcelona confirm plan to sign Vitor Roque in January - but won't buy replacement for injured Gavi

Posted Monday, November 27, 2023 by Goal.com

Barcelona plan on signing Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in January, director Deco confirmed, but they will not target a replacement for Gavi.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish champions saw 19-year-old Gavi ruled out for a long period of time after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear while on international duty. The loss of the midfielder allows Barca to use around 80 percent of his wages to register another player, opening up the opportunity for Vitor Roque to join.

WHAT DECO SAID
Director of football Deco says he and coach Xavi are discussing their strategy for the upcoming transfer window and has outlined some of their plans, telling reporters: "Xavi and I are coordinated for the market. We are not going to replace Gavi because there is no other player like him on the market, much less in January. We will see what position we strengthen. We will surely opt for Vitor Roque, but nothing has been decided."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barca confirmed in January that they have agreed to sign 18-year-old forward Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, but the deal was originally scheduled to be completed next summer. However, the Camp Nou outfit appear willing to speed things up and welcome him into the team for the remainder of the season.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the weekend, Barca will look to bounce back when they meet Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday. Both teams have nine points from four matches heading into the clash at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.