Barcelona Loans Vitor Roque to Real Betis

Barcelona has agreed to loan 19-year-old striker Vitor Roque to Real Betis for the upcoming season after rejecting a significant permanent offer from Sporting CP. Roque, who struggled to secure a spot in Barcelona's first team since his €30 million transfer from Athletico Paranaense, is not in coach Hansi Flick's plans and was left without a shirt number. The loan deal will allow Roque to gain valuable experience in La Liga under Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini, with the option for Betis to extend the loan or purchase him later. Roque reportedly preferred Betis over other options, including interest from Everton and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Barcelona aims to retain control over Roque's future while monitoring his development in a less pressurized environment. This move is seen as a mutually beneficial arrangement, allowing Roque to develop while Betis strengthens their squad.