Real Betis have confirmed that Vitor Roque has returned to Barcelona, with his loan deal at Estadio Benito Villamarin being terminated.
Roque joined Real Betis on loan last August, and the Green and Whites did have the option to sign him on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window.
The 20-year-old has scored seven times and registered two assists in 33 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini's side during the 2024-25 campaign, but it has been confirmed that his loan switch has been terminated.
"Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona have agreed to terminate the loan deal for striker Vitor Roque," read a statement from Real Betis.
"The Brazilian, who arrived last summer from FC Barcelona, leaves after playing 33 games and scoring seven goals. The Club thanks him for his services and wishes him luck in his next professional challenges."
📣 OFICIAL | El #RealBetis y el @FCBarcelona_es acuerdan resolver la cesión de Vitor Roque ✍️
— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) February 28, 2025
Suerte en tu nueva etapa, Vitor.
Roque returns to Barcelona ahead of Palmeiras move
Roque, though, will not be involved for Barcelona, as he has allegedly agreed to return to Brazil with Palmeiras.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that there is a deal in place for Palmeiras to sign Roque, with the youngster set to join the Brazilian club for an initial €25m (£20.5m), as well as €5m (£4m) in potential add-ons.
Roque scored 28 goals and registered 11 assists in 81 appearances for Athletico Paranaense before making the move to Barcelona in January 2024, and he has a record of two goals in 16 appearances for his current side.
However, the Brazilian's time with the Catalan giants is set to come to an end, with Roque predicting that he would not represent the club again when his loan move to Real Betis was confirmed last year.
"It was a bit complicated for me. I had some opportunities, but not the way I had imagined. My mind is clear now, and I'm focused on Betis and grateful for the chance to wear the national team shirt again," SPORT quotes Roque as saying in September 2024.
"I think it was complicated in general. I thought it was going to be different, both in the treatment and in the way of playing, as well as in the way the board spoke to me. But that's over now."
© Imago
Will Barcelona be made to regret selling Roque?
Roque is clearly a talent, and he had been enjoying a strong spell with Real Betis considering his inexperience in Spanish football.
However, Barcelona need to make some difficult decisions due to their financial situation, and the sale of Roque for a good price will do a lot to improve their difficulties ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Catalan outfit are believed to have included a sell-on clause in their alleged arrangement with Palmeiras, meanwhile, ensuring that they will earn some money if the forward makes a big-money switch later in this career.
Matt Law
