Manuel Pellegrini clarifies Betis' position on Vitor Roque

The future of Vitor Roque continues to generate many doubts at Real Betis. The forward has been a substitute in the last two rounds of LaLiga, while rumors about Palmeiras' interest in signing him increase. However, the 'verdiblanco' coach, Manuel Pellegrini, settled the controversy regarding 'Tigrinho's' role in the team, although he avoided discussing his possible departure this month.

"There are better and worse moments in the performances of players. Right now Bakambu is playing, he (Roque) has played a lot. Without a complete and compact squad, it will be difficult to compete", the Chilean coach began saying in the lead-up to the match against Real Sociedad at the Benito Villamarín (21:00 h). In that sense, Pellegrini ruled out any problem with the forward on loan from Barça.

"Vitor is one more in the squad, he has not had setbacks or discomfort. Everyone likes to play in every match", the coach pointed out. 'Tigrinho' was a substitute against Athletic (2-2) and Celta (lost 3-2), playing only 18 and 32 minutes respectively. Additionally, he did not play on Thursday in the Europa League against Gent (victory 0-3). Previously, he had been a starter in the loss against Alavés (1-3). In La Liga, the player from Timóteo has not scored since the win on December 15 against Villarreal (1-2), while his only goal in 2025 was against Barça in the Cup (5-1).

Palmeiras seeks to finalize the transfer of Vitor Roque as soon as possible

Meanwhile, Palmeiras is looking to finalize the signing of Vitor Roque before the closure of the Brazilian transfer market (February 28). The 'Verdao' has put forward a fixed 25 million euros plus another 5 'kilos' in variables to acquire 80% of the sporting rights of the 25-year-old forward, an offer that allows Barça to recover almost the 30 million fixed they paid to Athlético Paranaense for his transfer. The agreement included another 31M in variables that the culés will avoid paying.

However, Betis insists on receiving financial compensation for breaking the loan of the Timóteo player, which is valid until June 30. For Palmeiras, this option is not viable, as simply getting rid of the salary of a player who is theoretically a substitute for the rest of the season should be enough to release him. In that sense, Pellegrini's latest statements clarify the club's position on Roque: regardless of the minutes he plays, he is still counted on by the coaching staff. Hence, the São Paulo team must seek another offer to resolve an operation they consider a priority and for which they undoubtedly have enough money in the bank.