Palmeiras is stepping up its efforts to strengthen its squad for the upcoming football season, particularly after the departure of standout player Endrick to Real Madrid. With ambitions to equip itself well for the Club World Cup, the club has turned its attention to young Brazilian striker Vitor Roque, currently on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona.
According to reports, Palmeiras has made a formal offer of €20 million (approximately R$128 million) for the 18-year-old forward. This move reflects the club's urgency to find a reliable center-forward who can lead their attack under coach Abel Ferreira. The interest was first reported by colleague Diego Firmino, emphasizing Palmeiras’ intent to bring Roque to Brazil.
Despite the interest from Palmeiras, sources close to the player suggest he remains committed to staying at Real Betis until the end of the 2023/2024 season. Sports journalist André Hernan indicated, “Palmeiras is seeking Victor Roque. The board and President Leila Pereira are discussing with the player’s representatives to understand if there is potential for negotiation.”
This situation arises as Palmeiras grapples with its long-standing challenge of finding the right number nine since Endrick’s exit. Players like Flaco López and Rony have struggled to meet expectations, prompting intense scrutiny from fans who have been vocal about the need for improvement.
While Palmeiras is actively pursuing Vitor Roque, the club has also considered other options. Richarlison from Tottenham was previously mentioned as a potential target but has since been ruled out, freeing up resources to focus its attention on securing Roque.
The young striker's impact during his tenure at both Barcelona and Real Betis has sparked speculation about his next move. With Palmeiras making overtures, the negotiations symbolize both the club's ambition to compete at the highest levels and Roque's growing reputation as one of Brazilian football's promising talents.
Palmeiras’ leadership knows well the importance of solidifying their attacking options going forward. With Vitor Roque’s profile aligning closely with the club's requirements, the upcoming transfer window could prove pivotal for their aspirations. Whether they can lure him away from Spain remains to be seen, but the groundwork laid by Leila Pereira and her team is certainly setting the stage for potentially exciting developments.
