Barcelona and Athletico Paranaense are reportedly in contact over a move for 17-year-old Brazilian striker Vitor Roque.
According to a report by SPORT, Barcelona recently contacted Athletico Paranaense for Vitor Roque. The 17-year-old striker has drawn comparisons with Barcelona legend Luis Suarez. And the youngster is keen on joining the Blaugrana when he moves to Europe.
Vitor Roque has become a hot property since joining Athletico Paranaense from Cruzeiro last year. The Brazilian prodigy spent his formative years with America-MG and Cruzeiro before moving to his current club. And he has gone from strength to strength in the last few months while making his mark on the international level.
The 17-year-old is currently taking the under-20 South American Championships by storm. Meanwhile, the youngster has a handy tally of seven goals and three assists in 1,762 minutes of action for Athletico-PR. And Vitor Roque’s progress has captured the attention of several clubs, including Barcelona.
Barcelona pursued Endrick for several months before Real Madrid won the race to sign him. Vitor Roque has subsequently emerged as the next top Brazilian target for the Blaugrana. And the 17-year-old striker might be a superb alternative, considering he has drawn comparisons with a certain Luis Suarez.
The veteran Uruguayan striker spent over half a decade with Barcelona and is a bonafide club legend. And Barcelona might secure a jackpot if the Athletico-PR prodigy has similar traits to Luis Suarez. So it is hardly surprising that the Catalan giants have initiated contact with the Brazilian club for the teenage whizkid.
The current La Liga leaders have contacted Athletico Paranaense’s football co-ordinator Luiz Felipe Scolari and their CEO Alexandre Mattos. Such a move signals Barcelona’s intention to pursue a deal for the Brazilian striker. And with Robert Lewandowski well into his thirties, Vitor Roque can be his successor.
Recent reports have claimed that the 17-year-old is prioritising joining Barcelona when he leaves Athletico-PR. But his price tag might determine whether Barcelona can secure his services amid the never-ending financial woes. For now, the Catalan giants have made their first move to sign the teenage whizkid.
