Barcelona confirm sale of Vitor Roque to Palmeiras | OneFootball

Barcelona have confirmed the departure of striker Vitor Roque, who has joined Brazilian side Palmeiras on a permanent deal.

Roque struggled for minutes following his arrival at Barcelona in January 2024 and eventually left on loan in the summer, joining Real Betis in a deal which included an option to make the move permanent worth around €25m (£20.6m).

Palmeiras, however, indicated a concrete desire to sign Roque for that fee immediately. Barcelona agreed but had to convince Betis to terminate the striker's loan before any agreement could be struck.

Betis were not initially keen but Barcelona have sweetened the deal by offering a greater share of the rights to winger Ez Abde. Betis bought 50% of the rights to Abde in 2023 but reports state that share has now been increased to 80%.

After his loan was terminated on Friday, Roque has now sealed his return to Brazilian football with Palmeiras.

"I am very proud to be part of the Palmeiras family," Roque said after completing the move. "These were tense days, full of anxiety for me and my family, but fortunately, everything worked out in the end. It is an honour to wear the jersey of Brazil’s greatest champion."

The move brings an end to a disappointing stint in Europe for Roque. Barcelona paid an initial €30m to sign Roque in the summer of 2023, with the deal also including a further €31m in add-ons. He arrived in Spain six months later but struck just two goals for Barcelona as he found himself stuck behind Robert Lewandowski in the pecking order.