Barcelona 'failed' to deal with Vitor Roque as sporting director Deco aims dig at Xavi 'mistake' over Brazilian forward's transfer

The director has claimed that former manager Xavi’s acceleration in bringing Roque to the club resulted in his spell there being a failure. Former midfielder Deco wanted the forward to join Barca from Athletico Paranaense in the summer window in 2024, but Xavi suggested the player arrive months earlier.

Roque did not enjoy a positive time at Barcelona, and there were times when he even reportedly broke down during the training sessions. Signed as an eventual Robert Lewandowski successor, he played only 16 matches for the Catalans and scored twice, and spent most of his time on loan to Real Betis. In February 2025, he went on to sign for Brazilian side Palmeiras and is contracted with them until 2029.

Deco said to Globoesporte: "He asked that the forward come in the winter market. We always take the coach's opinion into account when making decisions and thus Vitor's adaptation was brought forward, something that should have happened in the summer. [That was] a mistake, Barca demands a lot and they were too worried about what the press was saying."

He added: "His first six months were not good. I also believe that the coaching staff and the club did not know how to adequately identify the problems he faced, whether adaptation or mental. We could not help him as we should."

Barca won the domestic treble last season and will continue their progress under Hansi Flick next season too.