Aniket Rai
Barcelona starlet Vitor Roque’s agent confirms failed Manchester United bid
Manchester United apparently made an offer to sign Barcelona starlet Vitor Roque earlier this summer.
The 18-year-old striker has earned rave reviews for his displays in Brazil with Club Athletico Paranaense (CAP) — so much so that Man United and Tottenham Hotspur made offers for him.
But Barcelona have won the race to sign the Brazilian, with the club officially announcing the deal in recent hours. His agent, Andre Cury, said (h/t Fabrizio Romano):
“Tottenham and Manchester United sent important bids, way better than Barça; close to €100m. Vitor only wanted Barça, there was no chance to change his mind.”
Gigantic loss for Paranaense
If true, that seems like an outrageous number. The real loser here would, at least for now, be his former club, CAP. They have sold him to Barcelona for €40million.
Given Manchester United and Spurs were ready to pay so much for him, it is clear that he has talent. But does he have enough to start leading the line at Man United, Spurs, or Barcelona?
If Spurs keep Kane, then no chance. Barca have Robert Lewandowski, who is not slowing down despite his age. Manchester United could have been a great place for him.
We are in urgent need of a striker after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit in November. Wout Weghorst’s loan spell from Burnley was forgettable to say the least. But there is some optimism to be had from this incident.
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It means the Red Devils recognise they need a No. 9 and are ready to spend big to that effect. Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, who is two years further down the developmental curve than Roque and has experience of playing in Europe, is a target.
