The 18-year-old Brazilian international forward, who signed for FC Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense, has landed at the Catalonia club and spent his first day there. Barcelona confirmed in July that the forward will join the club in January.

The Brazilian landed in Barcelona on Wednesday, took pictures in front of the Barcelona crest, underwent his routine medical, and met his new teammates shortly after. Barcelona revealed these in a statement as the forward linked up with his new teammates.

“Vitor Roque landed in Barcelona early on Wednesday morning and is enjoying his first few hours as a Barça player in the Catalan capital. The Brazilian striker, who is signing a contract until June 30, 2031, has a buyout clause set at 500 million euros. His first stop was the Ciutat Esportiva, where he took his routine medical tests, including measurements of height, weight, body mass index, heart rate, effort, and resonance. He also had several digital media duties to attend to, including his first interview with the club’s own media, where he described what was happening as “a dream come true.” Barcelona’s statement said.

Roque played 18 games for Athletico Paranaense in the Brazilian Serie A last season and scored 12 goals plus three assists.

He is expected to make his Barcelona debut in January when La Liga resumes as Barcelona plays Las Palmas. Xavi’s team will hope to start 2024 on a winning note so as to redeem their title defence.

Barcelona defeated Almeria 3-2 in their last La Liga game of 2023 before facing Club America in a mid-season friendly in the US, which they lost 3-2.

Xavi’s men are seven points behind the table toppers Real Madrid and Girona, who are both first and second, respectively, with 48 points. Atletico Madrid are in third position with a superior goal difference to Barcelona as they both are locked on 38 points each.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu