Raphinha Barcelona
Camp Nou FC Barcelona

According to Fichajes, Barcelona might be planning to get rid of Vitor Roque by using him in a swap deal for Joao Felix.

The Catalans had signed Roque in January for a fee that could go up to €61 million but the youngster has failed to live up to the hype in the past couple of months. So far, the striker has started in only two league games playing a total of just 276 minutes in the La Liga.

He’s struggled for game time and things won’t get any better next season because reports are suggesting that Barcelona are looking to get rid of him. Xavi has recently backed him saying that the Brazilian youngster needs time but it’s highly unlikely that he is going to continue.

Xavi has said: “The intention was not for Vitor to come in December, for him to stay there [in Brazil]. The option was opened up with the injuries of Gavi and Balde. We believed it was for the best.

“This a debate that, for me, does not makes sense. He is learning. There are footballers ahead of him, who are in better conditions, and that is why he plays less. These things have happened all my life.”

Should Barcelona use him in a swap deal or should they sell him to a PL club?

Initially, Barcelona were thinking of sending Vitor out on loan but his agent has made it clear that they will prefer a permanent exit rather than a loan move next season. This has prompted the club to change their strategy and now they are ready to cut their losses after just six months.

Premier League sides Chelsea and Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Vitor Roque but we think Barcelona will be better off using him in a swap deal with Joao Felix.

Joao Felix might not have found major success during his loan spell at Camp Nou but the 24-year-old has still managed 10 contributions in 27 La Liga appearances. Barcelona are actively searching for a left-winger and they have been linked with players like Nico Williams and Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz but if they can use Roque to keep hold of Joao Felix, Xavi will be able to save a lot of money.

Felix has an xG of 7.99 this season and even though this has not been the best possible loan display by the 24-year-old, Xavi can certainly put him to good use next season.

Another reason why Barcelona should go for the swap deal is because both Chelsea and Spurs are interested in signing Vitor Roque on a one-year loan deal and we are confident that neither of them will want to spend money to bring him on board permanently.

The two English clubs are looking at Vitor as a backup striker and they will never want the 19-year-old to be their primary centre-forward option next season.

Barcelona have spent a lot of money on the young Brazilian so it will make sense to give him time to settle down in Europe but with the kind of financial stress they are in right now, the club will have to save money in every way possible.