Serie A side begin talks with Barcelona for forward | OneFootball

The transfer of Vitor Roque may well come good for Barcelona, but it will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons for many years. Signed for this summer, with his deal accelerated for January, only for Xavi Hernandez to leave him on the bench for much of the second half of the season. Within four months, his agent was demanding game time or a transfer, but Roque, through no fault of his own, serves as an example of the dysfunction at Barcelona in the planning process.

The 19-year-old Brazilian is keen to impress manager Hansi Flick, and has come back weeks ahead of preseason to put in double sessions and improve his physique. Yet Barcelona are still keen on a loan for him this season for him to continue developing, and would consider a transfer if they can make a profit on him. According to Gianluca di Marzio (via MD), Fiorentina have contacted Barcelona about a transfer, enquiring about the terms of deal. He does go on to say that they have also enquired about €25m-rated Toulouse forward Thijs Dallinga.

How Barcelona proceed with Roque remains a complete unknown. Clearly there is no unanimous belief that he is good enough to be a key part of the coming season just yet, but his performances in the brief showings he did have were not bad, if a little lacking in protagonism. His runs in behind were dangerous, but his touch let him down at times.