Barcelona plot shock move for ex-Real Madrid forward if Vitor Roque leaves this summer

According to AS, Barcelona are considering a move for Getafe forward Mayoral should Roque leave the club. Despite a meniscus injury that kept him out of action during the final stretch of the season, Mayoral has impressed the Barca hierarchy with his consistent performances and goal-scoring ability that he exhibited in the earlier phases of the 2023-24 season which saw him find the net 15 times in La Liga.

Mayoral's contract with Getafe extends until the summer of 2027, and he is currently the highest-paid player at the club, earning a salary of €4.7 million (£4m/$5m) per year. He honed his skills at the Real Madrid youth academy but struggled to get first-team opportunities at Los Blancos. Hence he had to spend several seasons on loan at at Roma, Levante, and Wolfsburg before making the move to Getafe in a club record €10 million (£9m/$11m)transfer from Madrid.

Mayoral's experience in La Liga and his proven track record make him a compelling candidate for the Catalan giants. However, Getafe can demand a significant fee for his services since the forward has had a stellar last season and is contracted to them for three more years which hands them the upper hand in negotiations with Barcelona.

Roque's agent remains firm that his client will not go out on loan but only on a permanent transfer if he leaves the Catalan giants. Moreover, Barcelona's interest in Mayoral as a potential replacement for Roque shows that the Barca hierarchy is already planning for a future without the Brazilian in their ranks.