Serie A giants Lazio are reportedly mulling over a loan-to-buy move worth €25 million to sign 19-year-old Barcelona prodigy Vitor Roque this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Vitor Roque is the subject of interest from Lazio. The Serie A giants are keen on signing a versatile striker in the summer transfer window, with the Barcelona prodigy emerging as an alternative to Mason Greenwood. And they want to land the 19-year-old on an initial loan deal with a purchase option worth €25 million.
Vitor Roque and his Barcelona frustrations
Vitor Roque has seen the hype around him die mere weeks after joining FC Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in January 2024. The teenage attacking prospect was among the most highly sought-after strikers in the world before moving to Barcelona, with several European bigwigs setting their sights on him.
However, Vitor Roque’s heart was set on joining his dream club, Barcelona, although the move has turned into a nightmare for him. The 19-year-old has managed only 353 minutes of game time across 16 appearances thus far for Barcelona, which came in the second half of the 2023/24 season. In addition, the youngster has chipped in with two goals.
With game time coming at a premium even after Barcelona’s ouster from every competition, the Brazilian striker is considering leaving the Blaugrana after only six months as he looks to resurrect his stuttering career. Several high-profile clubs, particularly from the Premier League, have shown interest in securing Vitor Roque’s services. However, his next destination might be Serie A, with Lazio stepping up.
Serie A move on the horizon?
Lazio’s interest in Vitor Roque is understandable. The Serie A giants have been keen on signing a striker in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Ciro Immobile. The veteran Italian international has joined Besiktas, ending his eight-year spell with Lazio.
So, it behoves the Serie A outfit to sign a striker, with the Barcelona wonderkid emerging as a viable target. They are now stepping up their interest in the 19-year-old, eyeing a loan deal with a purchase option worth €25 million.
It is unclear if Barcelona will be open to loaning out the Brazilian striker, let alone accept a purchase option worth only €25 million. So, it will be interesting to see if the Serie A outfit can convince the Blaugrana to the arrangement in the coming weeks. The player’s wish will prove crucial.
