Barcelona new signing Vitor Roque rejected top Premier League clubs including Manchester United to sign for the Blaugrana, according to his agent.
Andre Cury, the agent of Barcelona's new signing Vitor Roque made a shocking revelation today, claiming the player rejected greater financial offers from Manchester United and Tottenham to join the Blaugrana.
13:00 - 12.07.2023
Barcelona confirm signing of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque
LaLiga giants Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Brazilian teenage striker Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense for €60m.
The LALIGA champions announced the signing of the 18-year-old today, after a lengthened period of negotiations.
Reports confirming the deal claimed that the Catalan side will pay €30 million guaranteed to Athletico Paranaense for the signing of the player and another €31 million in add-ons.
What Vitor Roque's agent said
Despite the reported figures of the deal worth a significant €61 million for a teenage prospect, the player's agent revealed that Premier League clubs were prepared to offer even more.
Cury, who represents the player's interest, revealed on the Charla podcast, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, that Manchester United and Tottenham attempted to hijack the deal from Barcelona.
The agent stated that both clubs were willing to offer close to €100 million to the Brazilian club for the signing of their youngster.
However, the player was insistent on donning the colours of Barcelona, opting to move to Spain rather than the more financially sound offers from the Premier League.
“I can confirm that English clubs tried to hijack Roque deal," be said on the podcast.
“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."
Vitor Roque's love for Barcelona
Per multiple reports, the player's love for the club was integral in the completion of the move, as it is his childhood dream to play for Barcelona.
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Roque was pictured holding the Barcelona jersey with his agent when he was younger, and following the completion of the deal, he took to social media to share a picture where his agent and him recreated the initial picture with the Barcelona jersey.
After the completion of the deal, the player also posted an emotional caption on his Instagram"Thank you for everything my God. 😭🙇," with a crying emoji.