01 March 2023 , 10:34
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Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, who has been scouted by Manchester United and Arsenal, has declared it his dream to play for Barcelona.
Roque has attracted attention from Europe’s biggest clubs by starring for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil. He has played at huge tournaments like the Copa Libertadores, as well as featuring for Brazil's under-20 side at the South American under-20 Championship.
His playing style has seen him dubbed as 'the next Luis Suarez', with Chelsea, United and Arsenal among the clubs to take an interest in his fledgling career.
Roque turned 18 on February 28 and is now therefore eligible to move to Europe. Barcelona are in pole position to earn his signature, having already negotiated with ex-Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is currently on the books at Athletico Paranaense, and chief executive Alexandre Mattos.
Roque has now openly spoken of his desire to join Barca, who reportedly feel he is good enough to become Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor. Asked if he feels he is ready to play for Barcelona, Roque told Sport : “Yes of course. I work for this. The competitions I played last year, the Libertadores and the Brasileirao, will help me to be well prepared when I go to Europe.
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“I am very happy to be 18 years old, which now allows me to play abroad. My goal is to continue working with humility, because with faith in God everything will turn out well. I try to stay focused on day to day and give my best at Athletico. I am sure that, doing well here, going to Europe will be a consequence.
Vitor Roque has impressed for Athletico Paranaense (Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)“It is not only a dream of mine but also of any player. If I end up going to Barca, it will be a great joy for my family and for me. For this reason, I have to continue working hard and hope that everything will come to fruition over time.”
Roque said he is a big fan of Lewandowski and is attracted by Barcelona’s history of blooding exciting young players, with Gavi and Pedri becoming the basis of Xavi Hernandez’s midfield.
The 18-year-old striker has seven goals and three assists in 37 games for Athletico Paranaense. But it was at the South American U20 Championship that he really caught the eye, finishing as joint top-scorer as Brazil claimed the title in February.
Roque scored six goals in Brazil’s nine games – the same tally as his team-mate Andrey Santos, who joined Chelsea in January. The 18-year-old midfielder was signed from Vasco Da Gama for £16million by Todd Boehly, but has so far been denied a work permit.