Barcelona director Deco has confirmed that the club’s move for Brazilian striker Vitor Roque will not be completed until January or next year.
Deco told reporters on Wednesday that the deal is “clear” and that Roque “can only come in January or next year.”
The delay is due to a negotiation issue with Roque’s current club, Athletico Paranaense. Deco said that Barcelona “had to accept” the terms of the deal, but that the club is “still confident” that Roque will join them eventually.
Roque is a highly rated 17-year-old striker who has been linked with a number of European clubs. He has scored 12 goals in 17 appearances for Athletico Paranaense this season.
Barcelona are looking to sign Roque as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave the club.
The delay in Roque’s transfer is a blow to Barcelona, but the club is still confident that they will be able to sign him in the near future. Roque is a talented player with a lot of potential, and he would be a major coup for Barcelona.
In the interview, Deco also said that Barcelona are “working hard” to sign other players in the summer transfer window. He said that the club are “looking for players who can improve the team” and that they are “confident of making some good signings.”
Barcelona are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer, as they look to build a team that can challenge for major trophies in the coming years.