Barcelona confirm departure of Vitor Roque on loan with option to buy

Barcelona have confirmed the departure of striker Vitor Roque, who has joined Real Betis on loan for the 2024/25 La Liga season.

Roque signed for Barcelona last summer in a deal worth up to €61m - an initial €30m plus €31m in potential add-ons - but, after completing his move to the club in January, was restricted to just 353 minutes across 16 appearances in all competitions.

The 19-year-old's agent had previously lashed out at Roque's lack of minutes, vowing to pursue a permanent exit if he was not given a greater role this season. Transfer offers did arrive but Roque has now opted to join Betis on a deal which could become permanent in future.

Barcelona confirmed that Roque has joined Betis on an initial season-long loan deal which can be extended for the 2025/26 season and also includes the right to sign Roque permanently.

AS state that Betis' purchase option stands at €25m (£21.2m), with Barcelona also believed to have negotiated a buy-back clause slightly higher than that figure.

Roque was not registered in Barcelona's La Liga squad for this campaign and sat out the first two games under Flick, with the club keen to offload the 19-year-old as part of their ongoing attempts to raise money.

He is believed to have voiced a preference to play for Betis over Portuguese side Sporting CP, who were chasing a permanent deal. Premier League outfit Everton were also linked with Roque.

For Barcelona, Roque's exit inches the club closer to being able to register new signing Dani Olmo, although reports suggest Barcelona still need to find more sales before the €60m midfielder can play.

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