‘Ignored’ Vitor Roque completes loan deal from Barcelona to Real Betis
Brazilian forward Vitor Roque has completed a season-long loan move to Real Betis from FC Barcelona, just eight months after joining the Catalan giants in a deal worth an initial €35 million. Roque’s transfer to Betis includes a clause that allows the Spanish club to extend the loan for a second season, and an option to make the deal permanent.
The 19-year-old arrived in Seville over the weekend, choosing to stay in La Liga despite interest from Sporting CP in Portugal. Betis confirmed the signing on Monday, marking a significant move for both the player and the club. Roque joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in January 2024 but struggled to secure regular playing time under former coach Xavi Hernández.
Despite making 16 appearances last season, the young forward only managed to score twice, with most of his contributions coming off the bench as Robert Lewandowski was preferred in the No. 9 role. Given the likelihood of another season as a backup under new manager Hansi Flick, coupled with Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, Roque was encouraged to seek more playing time elsewhere.
“Contracted until the 2030/31 season, Tigrinho will be looking to get more game time with Betis to continue developing and adapting to the Spanish league,” Barcelona’s official statement read.
Flick expressed support for Roque’s move, acknowledging the challenges the player faced at Barcelona and highlighting the loan as a valuable opportunity for Roque to develop.
“Some situations, also for the player, sometimes it’s good…I cannot speak about just what I heard, when I spoke with him. He came in a situation it was not easy for him,” Flick said on Roque at a press-conference.
This loan deal also comes as Barcelona looks to free up space to register new signings, including Dani Olmo, with La Liga. Several other players are expected to leave the club this week as the Catalan side continues to navigate financial constraints. For Roque, the move to Betis represents a fresh start and a chance to showcase his talent in a more prominent role, while Betis gains a promising young forward eager to prove himself in Spain’s top flight.
