Vitor Roque’s Move to Palmeiras Finally Secured Amid Spanish Transfer Rules

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazilian football club Palmeiras has officially secured the signing of 19-year-old striker Vitor Roque from Barcelona, culminating intense negotiations on February 27. The deal comes after Roque spent the past season on loan at Real Betis.

Originally joining Barcelona in January 2024 for a reported €30 million, Roque struggled to make a significant impact at the club, scoring just two goals in 16 appearances. After moving to Betis in August 2024, he found his footing and delivered a more consistent performance, registering seven goals and two assists across 33 matches.

The recent transfer includes a payment of €25 million for 80% of Roque’s economic rights, with Barcelona retaining control of the remaining 20%. The contract may allow Barcelona to earn an additional €5 million in performance-based add-ons in the future.

Palmeiras had expressed a keen interest in securing Roque’s services to bolster their squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, starting June 14 in the United States. The club is in a competitive group alongside FC Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami, and wanted Roque to acclimate before the tournament.

The transfer process became complicated when La Liga‘s regulations initially stalled the move, preventing Roque from being transferred while he remained on loan. However, negotiations involving FIFA, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and La Liga led to a reassessment of the situation, allowing the transfer to proceed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vitor Roque to Palmeiras,” said club president Leila Pereira. “His talent and experience will significantly bolster our attacking options as we aim for success in upcoming competitions.”

Following discussions with regulatory bodies, Palmeiras successfully navigated through legal hurdles and is prepared for Roque’s medical examinations scheduled for February 28, 2025. The Timorese striker is expected to debut in their upcoming match against São Bernardo on March 1.

Roque’s journey from Athletico Paranaense to Barcelona and now to Palmeiras highlights his potential and adaptability. His performance at Betis showcases why Palmeiras is eager to integrate him into their strategy for the season, aiming for a strong showing in the Campeonato Paulista and international tournaments.

This transfer not only reflects Palmeiras’s ambitions but also provides Barcelona with financial relief after a substantial investment, mitigating their financial concerns particularly as they navigate an intense economic landscape.

As the excitement builds around Vitor Roque’s anticipated arrival, Brazilian football fans are eager to see how he will influence Palmeiras’s performance on the pitch, particularly following his impressive stint in La Liga.