FC Barcelona Star Open To Saudi Move, Reports Sport

An FC Barcelona star appears open to moving to Saudi Arabia according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.

Recent weeks have seen the same outlet report how Al-Nassr has over $100 million at the ready to try and lure Raphinha.

The Saudi Pro League giant wishes to see the Brazil international link up with Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo and former Liverpool great Sadio Mane on its front line.

Yet with a contract until mid-2027, the winger bought from Leeds United is under no obligation to move on and is prepared to fight for his place under new head coach Hansi Flick.

His compatriot Vitor Roque might be ready to throw in the towel, however. Brought across the Atlantic from Athletico Paranaense at the start of 2024, as part of a deal which could reach north of $60 million, the youngster was afforded few opportunities under previous manager Xavi Hernandez and looks set to suffer the same fate on Flick’s watch.

Unimpressive in the first half of a friendly win over Manchester City last week, Vitor Roque was hooked at the interval and is losing prominence to the opening goalscorer of that match and a brace against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Pau Victor could be Flick’s go-to man as back up to striker Robert Lewandowski and on the left wing – the two positions that Vitor Roque is capable of playing.

Both SPORT and Fabrizio Romano have reported on Al-Hilal’s interest in Vitor Roque.

And while the youngster has turned down its offers so far, he has shown that he is open to moving to Saudi Arabia if the money is right.

SPORT explains that Neymar’s current employers offered Vitor Roque more than double what he earns at Barca which was similarly rejected by the 19-year-old.

If Al Hilal goes higher, however, he might be tempted to wave goodbye to Europe after just eight months on the Old Continent.

As the Saudi outfit reportedly has no intention of doing so, Vitor Roque’s best chance of fleeing Catalonia remains a loan assignment at the likes of Lazio in Italy or Porto in Portugal.