West Ham United approached as Barcelona open to £52m Vitor Roque deal
West Ham have been approached over the transfer of Barcelona starlet Vitor Roque who’s also liked by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, according to Graeme Bailey.
The journalist wrote on 6 May for TBR that he was signed for £52m and that the club will be open for loan move with Aston Villa, Brighton, Liverpool and Newcastle informed as well.
However, his agent does not want a loan deal and will be looking to ship off the Brazil international permanently this summer.
His agent Andre Cury told TBR: “We don’t want a loan. If the club decides he can’t stay, he’ll be sold.
“There are many teams interested in Vitor Roque. If the club doesn’t give Vitor space, we’ll have to look at a solution. Either he stays or he leaves in a transfer, not a loan.
“If he goes to another team that doesn’t own him, it’s very dangerous for the boy’s career. The best thing would be to stay at Barca, but if he can’t stay we will work for a transfer.”
West Ham may face several challenges to sign Vitor Roque
The Hammers’ interest in the Brazilian has been there for over a year with the club meeting his representatives in 2023 as well.
The primary challenge for the club lies in convincing Roque and Cury of the club’s ability to provide the player with the platform and opportunities he desires.
Cury has explicitly stated that he does not want a loan deal for Roque and will only consider a permanent transfer.
This stance narrows West Ham’s options and puts them in direct competition with clubs that may offer more lucrative deals or have a more significant presence in European football.
Furthermore, the London club must demonstrate to the 19-year-old and his agent that the club can offer him the necessary development and growth opportunities to further his career.
This includes showcasing a clear pathway to regular first-team football, a competitive salary package, and the potential for success on the pitch.
The club’s recent managerial and ownership uncertainties could also impact their ability to convince Roque and his agent of the club’s stability and long-term vision.
In other West Ham news, a £10m release clause claim has emerged as the Hammers have been given a chance to hire an ‘Elite’ manager.
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