‘It wasn’t in the plan for Vitor Roque to come in January’ – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has told the media that Vitor Roque is still growing as a player, and that he does not understand the debate over his lack of game time. The 19-year-old Brazilian is out of contract in the summer.

Ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Almeria, Xavi was asked to explain why the club, given the financial situation, spent €30m on a player who is barely playing.

“That’s how we planned it. We hadn’t planned for him coming so soon, we planned it for the summer, so he could continue learning as a player. Then we decided it was for the best for the club and for him, we had the chance to bring him in because of the injuries to Gavi and Balde, so that he could train, get to know the club and his teammates, and then compete with his teammates.”

“The debate, for me, I don’t understand it. He is learning. There are footballers ahead of him, who are in better conditions, and that is why he plays less. These things have happened all my life.”

Roque’s future is in the air, with Xavi reportedly feeling he would be best served by a loan, but agent Andre Cury telling the press that if the Brazilian leaves, it will be on a permanent deal. Sporting Director Deco and Cury are due to discuss the matter in the coming weeks.

Another forward with an uncertain future is Joao Felix, whose loan from Atletico Madrid is due to expire, and has barely started since the turn of the year.

“He has helped us a lot, but he has competition. There is Raphinha, Fermin, Lamine, Ferran, Vitor… João has been important for us and has to be until the end of the season.”

Felix is unlikely to return to Atletico if he has an alternative, and both Barcelona and the player have declared their desire to continue together next season. The 24-year-old is not thought to be a priority for the Blaugrana this summer though, and with finances tight, it seems likely that his future will not be clear until towards the end of the transfer window.