Barcelona transfer news: 'Deal in place' to sell teenager for £24.5m after failed move

Barcelona have reportedly agreed a deal with Palmeiras to sell striker Vitor Roque to the Brazilian club.

The 19-year-old only arrived at the Spanish club just over 12 months ago, signing from Athletico Paranaense for a fee believed to be in the region of €30m (£24.75m).

Playing second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski proved tough, though, and Roque has struggled for regular game time while on loan at Real Betis this season too.

Roque has only scored once in 2025, and that was a late penalty against his parent club in a 5-1 loss in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

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Roque set to for return to Brazil

With Barcelona's financial difficulties, they need to recoup as much as possible from transfer fees to stay afloat, and to avoid any punishments from the authorities.

It appears as though the club are to receive a boost to their coffers though, as Fabrizio Romano claims that a deal has been struck to sell Roque to Palmeiras with immediate effect.

Barca look set to make the vast majority of their money back on the transfer, with the deal expected to see Palmeiras pay €25m (£20.5m) up front, as well as €5m (£4m) in potential add-ons, while there is also a sell-on clause involved in the agreement.

Roque's loan club Real Betis have also signed off on the deal after some bargaining from Barca, receiving a higher rights deal over the ownership of Abde Ezzalzouli, who they signed from the La Liga leaders in 2023.

The teenage striker will return to his homeland on a five-year deal, in what he hopes can revive his young career, especially after he scored 21 goals in 2023 for Paranaense before making the move to La Liga.

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What will this mean for Barca's potential summer business?

There is still a long wait before the transfer window reopens in July, but Barca and their manager Hansi Flick will hope their hands are not tied as tightly as they have been in recent years.

Barca have been unable to make much money from player sales over the past year, selling young prospects Marc Guiu, Julian Araujo and Unai Hernandez for small fees.

Fortunately, La Masia and the Barca scouting network have continued to unearth young gems in recent years, providing many players that are ready-made for the first team, as well as holding substantial value in the transfer market, such as Lamine Yamal.

Barca's squad has been stretched at times this season though, especially in defence and midfield due to numerous injury setbacks, and while the La Liga title and a sixth Champions League crown are within their reach this season, the club will want money in the bank to sign reinforcements in the summer.