Vitor Roque 'won't entertain Barcelona loan exit'

At the beginning of 2024, Roque made a switch to Camp Nou earlier than initially anticipated to immediately challenge for a first-team role.

Roque arrived on the back of contributing 28 goals from 81 appearances for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, yet he has failed to have a similar impact in his opening months in Spain.

The 19-year-old has been limited to just one start and 10 substitute outings in all competitions, his two goals coming by the middle of February.

Four more appearances have since been made without finding the back of the net, albeit with game time still coming from the bench during the latter stages of fixtures.

With a contract until 2031, Roque is tied to Barcelona in the long term, yet it remains in doubt how the Catalan giants plan to handle his development in the short term.

However, that will seemingly be taken out of their hands by the stance that Roque and his agent are taking, Cury stating that the prospect does not want to ply his trade anywhere else.

Speaking to Que T'hi Jugues, Cury said: "Vitor is very happy at Barça and there's no chance for a loan.

"He's very good physically and mentally, and he is waiting for more minutes to prove it on the field. Xavi loves him very much.

"The truth is that there is a queue of clubs ready to pay €50m even now for Vitor Roque. Vitor will not go anywhere even if he is loaned out. He is determined to succeed at Barca."

Barcelona could theoretically benefit from loaning out Roque if it involved receiving a substantial loan fee at a time when they are attempting to ensure that they meet all financial commitments with La Liga.

On the flip side, Roque could be viewed as an increasingly important member of the squad as backup to veteran forward Robert Lewandowski when a new head coach replaces Xavi.

Roque has already earned international recognition with Brazil, but he was left out of the squad for the double-header with England and Spain.