With Sergio Busquets gone, Barcelona’s top priority in the summer transfer window would be to sign a defensive midfielder. The likes of Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves, Sofyan Amrabat, among several others, remain on their radar, but a move for any of them is farfetched at this point.
As such, Barcelona have shifted their attention to other areas of the pitch that need to be reinforced this summer. One such position is the backup striker role to Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona’s priority for that position has been Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque. Playing for Athletico Paranaense, the 18-year-old has been pushing for a move to the Catalan club, and is now closer than ever to achieving his dreams.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Paranaense to sign Roque on a deal worth €35 million, plus €10 million in bonuses.
The transfer fees will be paid across three installments, and the signing is expected to close next week after the Brazilian side’s game against Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
Roque will sign on a five-year contract until 2028, and his release clause is expected to stand at €1 billion.
Barcelona had already reached an agreement with Roque on personal terms a while back, and the player had publicly stated his desire to join the Catalans, as well.
This could be Barcelona’s first signing announcement of the summer, even though they have reportedly closed an agreement with Inigo Martinez. The Athletic Club defender will join on a free transfer, though, and is in no rush to decide his future.