Barcelona star's entourage unaware of SPL links, player keen to stay at Catalan club - Reports

Barcelona striker Vitor Roque's entourage have reportedly insisted no negotiations are taking place with Saudi Arabian clubs. The Brazilian teenage forward joined the Blaugrana in January but failed to win over former manager Xavi.

Spanish journalist Adrian Sanchez (via Barca Universal) reports that Roque's camp have stated they are unaware of negotiations with Saudi clubs. The 19-year-old is said to be focused on succeeding with the Catalans next season.

Al-Hilal are keen on signing Roque as they build on an unbeaten Saudi Pro League title-winning season. Jorge Jesus has identified the one-cap Brazil international as a valuable addition.

Roque struggled to impress in the second half of last season after joining Barcelona from Brazilian outfit Athletico Paranaense for €40 million. He started two of 16 games across competitions, registering two goals.

Barca are in the market for blockbuster signings, and Spain's Euro 2024 heroes Nico Williams and Dani Olmo are top targets. The Catalans would be looking to use any funds made from Roque's sale to conduct their transfer business.

Roque was tipped to be one of Brazilian's future superstars ahead of his move to Camp Nou. His stock was sky-high at Athletico Paranaense. He posted 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 games at Ligga Arena.

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"Makes no sense" - Ex-Barcelona boss Xavi hinted Vitor Roque was ready for his Camp Nou move

Roque's arrival at Barcelona in January came amid an injury curse that hit the Blaugrana. Gavi and Alejandro Balde were out injured, and the Catalans struggled in front of the goal until the turn of the year.

Xavi, who was still in charge then, suggested that the decision to bring Roque to Camp Nou in January was wrong. He said (via Forbes):

"The option [to bring him in January] opened up [because of] injuries to Gavi and [Alejandro] Balde. For his training, we thought it was the best thing to do. There is a debate that, to me, makes no sense. He's a player who's developing. There are players who are ahead of him, that's how I understand it. He's spent his whole life with young footballers."

Roque spent the following months playing backup to Robert Lewandowski and trying to convince Xavi he deserved first-team football. The Spanish coach's stance didn't change; he was reportedly one of five players he wanted to sell.

Xavi parted ways with Barcelona at the end of last season, giving Roque a fresh opportunity to kickstart his Camp Nou career. He'll be eager to prove to new manager Hansi Flick that he merits a place in his squad after a difficult debut season.