The Enigma of Vitor Roque: Barcelona’s €61m Signing Who’s Yet to Shine

FC Barcelona’s acquisition of Vitor Roque for a whopping €61 million in January 2024 raised eyebrows. However, as the spring of the same year unfolds, the Brazilian striker has yet to make a significant impact on the pitch, raising questions about his absence in crucial matches.

Roque’s statistics paint a puzzling picture: despite his hefty price tag, he has only played 310 minutes for the club since his arrival. What’s more baffling is his complete absence from key fixtures like the Champions League clashes against PSG and the El Clasico encounter against Real Madrid.

The disparity between Roque’s prolific scoring record at his former club and his subdued role at Barcelona is stark. While speculation about his training efforts and positional play circulates, financial considerations and the manager’s preference for experienced players in crucial matches are also factors to ponder.

With veteran striker Robert Lewandowski struggling to find form, the debate about Barcelona’s attacking options intensifies. Should they persist with Lewandowski, take a gamble on Roque, or explore other talents like Fermin Lopez?

As Barcelona navigates through a challenging season, the spotlight remains on Roque and the club’s quest to rediscover its attacking prowess.