The print edition of Mundo Deportivo (02/07/23 as relayed by Sport Witness) reported this week that Tottenham Hotspur tried to hijack Barcelona’s deal to sign Brazilian wonderkid, Vitor Roque.
Roque is widely seen as one of the best emerging talents in Brazil, with the versatile forward having found the back of the net 15 times and provided five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).
Tottenham were looking to hijack deal for Roque
Mundo Deportivo state that Barcelona held advanced talks with Athletico Paranaenseto over the 18-year-old, with the two clubs already said to have a ‘pre-agreement’ in place for his transfer.
It was explained that the Catalan giants were expected to agree on a deal of €35m (£30m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in bonuses to land Roque, and were taking ‘the final step’ in sealing the transfer.
However, with the transfer not yet official, it was alleged that other interested clubs, including Tottenham, were making a late attempt to swoop for the teenager.
The publication claimed that Spurs had already spoken to Roque’s entourage in an effort to try and change the player’s mind but it was said that the striker was only focused on a switch to Camp Nou.
Fabrizio Romano has since given the transfer his ‘here we go’ seal of approval, so it appears Tottenham’s attempts to hijack Vitor Roque to Barcelona have failed.
Spurs Web Opinion
If Tottenham held a serious interest in Roque, the club would have likely pursued a deal weeks or maybe even months ago rather than trying to hijack his move to Barca after the deal has virtually been agreed.