Real Betis manager’s blunt response about Vitor Roque’s situation amid Palmeiras links | OneFootball

There has been a lot of noise surrounding Vitor Roque over the past week, with the Barcelona starlet, currently on loan at Real Betis, being linked with a move to Palmeiras.

The 19-year-old centre-forward has recently lost his place in the team with Manuel Pellegrini preferring Cucho Hernandez and Bakambu over the Brazilian.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras are desperate to add a new forward and are pushing hard to sign Roque before the transfer window closes in Brazil on February 28.

Barcelona, for their part, are open to the sale but Real Betis’ position on the matter also counts considering that they would be losing a player in the middle of the season without being able to replace him.

Manuel Pellegrini on Vitor Roque’s situation

Ahead of Real Betis’ UEFA Europa Conference League game vs Gent today, Manuel Pellegrini was asked about Vitor Roque’s situation and whether he could leave as he is no longer a regular starter, even though the Brazilian was named in the lineup.

Vitor Roque is a target for Palmeiras. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Verdiblancos manager gave a blunt and clear response, stating that the 19-year-old is and remains a part of the squad.

“‘Vitor has not lost anything, he is part of the squad. He came on the other day, he’s going to play today. That he’s not playing some games because Cucho or Bakambu are there…,” said Pellegrini, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“Of all of them, Vitor is the one who has the most minutes. I repeat again, the current moment. It doesn’t mean that a player has been ostracised, far from it.”

Real Betis are firm on not wanting to let Roque leave this month even though Barcelona have informed them about the incoming offer from Palmeiras.

Even if the Seville-based outfit somehow agree to part ways with the Barcelona loanee, they would likely seek financial compensation.