OFFICIAL: FC Barcelona confirms the transfer of Vitor Roque to Palmeiras

The FC Barcelona board officially announced the transfer of Vitor Roque to Palmeiras this Friday. As had been anticipated since Thursday afternoon, the 20-year-old player, who passed the medical examination yesterday in Seville, signed his contract with 'Verdao' via telematics after terminating the contract that linked him to Real Betis until June 30, 2025. On Sunday, he will be presented as a reinforcement with Abel Ferreira's team.

Through the official statement, Barça "wishes him good luck and success in the future, both personally and professionally" to the forward, who will now be part of the Paulista team for the next five seasons, until December 2029. 'Tigrinho' only played 16 official matches with Barça (2 as a starter) in which he scored a couple of goals, while with Betis he scored 7 goals in 33 appearances.

Vitor Roque will not generate losses for FC Barcelona

The transfer of Vitor Roque was closed for 25.5 million euros fixed plus 5M € in variables, allowing the club to amortize the total of the 30 'kilos' paid to Athletico Paraense in 2023 to sign him. Additionally, the culés freed themselves from the 31M € set in variables, money that they had to pay over the five years stipulated in his contract.

The loan to Betis included a non-mandatory purchase option this year for 25 'kilos', with the possibility of extending the loan for another season. In July 2025, the price of the forward would increase to 27.5 million, 2 'kilos' less than what Palmeiras agreed to pay immediately for 80% of his sporting rights. Thus, Timóteo's transfer becomes the most expensive signing in the history of South American football, surpassing the 20 million euros that Botafogo paid for midfielder Wendel to Zenit Russia this same year.

Barça retains 20% of a future sale with Vitor Roque

However, Barcelona will not part with 100% of 'Tigrinho's rights. The club secured 20% of the amount corresponding to a future sale, allowing them to continue generating income in the future, in addition to the 5 million contemplated in variables. Timóteo is valued at around 20 'kilos' on Transfermarkt, which means the azulgrana team can earn a significant 'slice' in the coming years.

"I am very proud to be part of the Palmeiras Family. It was a tense few days, full of anxiety for me and my family, but fortunately everything turned out well in the end," said Roque after signing his contract. Last year, in an interview for 'ESPN Brasil', the forward admitted to having a "very hard" time in Catalonia after failing to secure a place in the azulgrana team. "I was very anxious to make things go well... When you are not happy and lack confidence, things do not go well," explained the Brazilian. Now, back in his country, he will seek to regain the scoring rhythm that amazed Barça in 2023.

⚽The numbers of Vitor Roque with FC Barcelona