Huge Barcelona boost! La Liga to allow Catalan club to register Vitor Roque in January, as striker arrives on loan

The Catalan giants had already reached an agreement to sign Roque in summer 2024 but will now incorporate the young Brazilian in January, according to Mundo Deportivo. Roque will sign on loan for the rest of the season and then move permanently in the summer. The transfer has been authorised by La Liga after Barca lost teenage midfielder Gavi to a long-term knee injury. Gavi will not play again this season, and will be deregistered, creating salary space for Barca to bring in Roque.

Roque may not be the only January signing as Barcelona will also try to sign a replacement for Gavi. However, any deal will depend on Barca first receiving a financial injection. The club are still hoping to receive €40 million (£37m/$43m) from German investment firm Libero for the sale of a stake in Barca Studios.

Since his debut with FC Barcelona in August 2021, Gavi has made an appearance in 92% of games played by his club in all competitions (111/121).

Roque will finish the Brazilian season with club side Athletico Paranaense and then looks set to head to Barcelona to begin life with the Catalan giants. The 18-year-old will compete with some big names including Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal for a place in the Barca attack.