Former Liverpool forward threatening Barcelona loanee’s potential move to his native country | OneFootball

Once touted as one of Brazil’s brightest attacking prospects, Vitor Roque arrived at Barcelona in the winter transfer window of the 2023/24 season with high expectations.

Seen as the heir apparent to Robert Lewandowski, his signing was widely viewed as a long-term investment in the club’s future. However, fast forward to 2025, and the reality has played out quite differently.

The Brazilian forward, under contract with Barça until June 2031, is on loan at Real Betis for one season, with an option to extend his loan for an additional year.

At the end of each of the two seasons, the Andalusian club can activate a non-mandatory purchase option of €25 million for 80% of the player’s economic rights.

With Hansi Flick yet to place his trust in the 19-year-old forward, speculation over his next move is intensifying.

Among his suitors, Brazilian club Palmeiras remains keen on securing his services. However, in a surprising twist, their pursuit of Roque could be derailed by none other than former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino.

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Roque may not have fully replicated his explosive form from the Brazilian league, but under Manuel Pellegrini at Betis, he has displayed glimpses of his potential.

Still a raw talent, his development remains a work in progress, and Palmeiras has been monitoring his situation closely. The São Paulo-based club had already attempted to sign him in the winter transfer window and, despite failing in their initial approach, remains determined to bring him back to Brazil.

Yet, according to SPORT, Palmeiras are now also considering Firmino as an alternative. The 33-year-old, currently at Al-Ahli, has reportedly grown disillusioned with his experience in Saudi Arabia, potentially opening the door for a return to South America.

Given Palmeiras’ ambitions, particularly with their participation in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as CONMEBOL’s representative, they may favor the experience and technical ability that Firmino offers over the long-term potential of Roque.

Despite this, Barcelona might still have the upper hand. Palmeiras has already initiated contact with Roque’s representatives, while discussions regarding Firmino have yet to materialize. Additionally, with Firmino under contract at Al-Ahli until June 2026, negotiations for his transfer could prove to be complex.

With the summer window approaching, Barcelona will be hoping to offload Roque for a significant fee, recouping some of their investment in the young striker. Whether Palmeiras proceeds with Roque or shifts its focus to Firmino remains to be seen, but the Catalan club will be closely monitoring developments as they look to resolve the future of their unsettled forward.