Palmeiras secured one of the biggest moves in Brazilian football history by officially signing 19-year-old striker Vitor Roque from FC Barcelona, marking the transfer as the most expensive ever recorded within the country. The deal was finalized on February 28, 2025, with Palmeiras paying €25.5 million (approximately R$155 million) for 80% of the player’s economic rights, alongside potential performance bonuses worth up to €5 million (about R$30.2 million).
These performance bonuses include clauses where Palmeiras must pay €2 million if Roque finishes among the top three players at the Super Club World Cup scheduled for July, €2 million if he wins the Ballon d'Or, and €1 million if he helps secure victories at either the Copa Libertadores or the World Cup, provided he plays at least 60% of the matches.
Vitor Roque joins Palmeiras at what is undoubtedly the peak of his potential. Reportedly, Barcelona had initially signed him from Athletico Paranaense for €40 million plus €8 million in taxes but, facing limited playtime under coach Xavi, he was loaned to Real Betis. After successful stints at Betis, the opportunity arose to return to Brazil, which has now set the stage for his ascent back home.
The young talent expressed his excitement about joining Palmeiras, stating, “I’m very proud to be part of the Palmeiras family. There were tense days, with much anxiety for me and my family, but fortunately, it all worked out in the end. It’s an honor to wear the jersey of the biggest champion of Brazil.”
His transfer not only reflects his capabilities on the field but also underlines Palmeiras’ commitment to fortifying their squad for the 2025 season, making him the sixth new signing this transfer window. Earlier acquisitions included defenders Bruno Fuchs and Micael, midfielder Emiliano Martínez, as well as forwards Paulinho and Facundo Torres.
The contract between Palmeiras and Vitor Roque runs for five years, until December 2029. This high profile acquisition has surpassed previous record transfers, eclipsing Thiago Almada, who was bought by Botafogo last year for R$137 million, and Paulinho, also from Palmeiras, who moved for R$115 million.
Despite some initial hurdles due to Spanish league regulations, which required compliance from various football authorities, the clubs were able to circumvent the obstacles with negotiations facilitated by FIFA and UEFA. This rapid resolution reflects significant effort on both sides to finalize the deal before the transfer window closed.
Palmeiras president, Leila Pereira, praised the diligence of her football department for achieving this remarkable landmark transfer, which was filled with negotiations and regulatory challenges. She stated, “I would like to congratulate the professionals of Palmeiras’ Football Department for securing the biggest transfer in Brazilian football history. The operation was extremely challenging, with obstacles initially seeming insurmountable, and we overcame them thanks to our lawyers’ work.”
Vitor’s path from the grassroots at América-MG and Cruzeiro to becoming one of the most talked-about talents, ready to make his mark at Palmeiras, signals not only personal accomplishment but also hope for Brazilian football fans who eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
With the Brazilian league transfer window closing, Vitor Roque is scheduled to arrive in São Paulo shortly, where he will likely begin training under coach Abel Ferreira. Once all final paperwork is completed, he will be available to contribute to Palmeiras' campaign in the Campeonato Paulista, where they will face São Bernardo shortly after his arrival.
Clearly, the excitement surrounding Roque’s transfer is not just limited to his arrival but what it signifies for this storied Brazilian club where ambition meets youthful talent.