What next for Vitor Roque? Barcelona's plans for out-of-favour €30m striker revealed

Barcelona agreed a deal to sign the 19-year-old from Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense last summer for an initial €30 million (£26m/$32m) before he made the move in January. Roque has since featured regularly for the Catalan club but mostly as a substitute and backup to Robert Lewandowski.

According to The Athletic, Barca want to prioritise Roque's development and are seeking a loan move for him next season. Ideally, Xavi would like him to go to another top-flight side in Spain so he can adjust to the style and tempo of La Liga.

Xavi was asked about Roque's future recently and admitted he will sit down with the player and his family to discuss his next steps. He said: "We will sit down to see what is best for each player. It’s not easy to come from Brazil, to adapt at 18, to make a difference at Barca. He needs time, minutes, and maybe more confidence. He is capable of playing for Barca for a long time. At the end of the season, we will decide."

In The Athletic's report, it says many were unsure what to expect from Roque when he arrived in January. Sources say players immediately saw room for improvement from the young Brazilian who struggled to keep up with the elite in training. Roque is now a full Brazil international and has a lot of untapped potential, but also a lot of time left in his career. A temporary move away from the lights and attention of Barcelona could be the perfect next step in his developing career.