Barcelona star Vitor Roque mocked by Xavi Hernandez and staff for his poor level of football

The nickname given to Vitor Roque suggested that the coaching staff had reservations about his ability to meet expectations.

Barcelona star Vitor Roque mocked by Xavi Hernandez and staff for his poor level of football

Vitor Roque was nicknamed by former Barcelona manager Xavi's staff, referring to the club's worst player Fabio Rochemback. (via IMAGO)

Barcelona forward Vitor Roque, who signed with the Catalan club earlier this year, was reportedly ridiculed by former manager Xavi Hernandez and his staff for his underwhelming performances. They had labeled the 19-year-old player as ‘Roquembach’.

Vitor Roque has been in the news for some time now, with Barcelona supporters questioning his signing. The 19-year-old forward is now rumored to be leaving for the Saudi PL after just seven months after arriving at the club. This marks a significant downfall in the Brazilian player’s career, once tipped to be a star at the Camp Nou. Moreover, there were rumors that former manager Xavi did not want Roque to join the club so soon.

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In a surprising revelation, recent reports suggest that Xavi’s coaching staff had expressed doubts about Roque’s abilities, privately terming him as a flop. In fact, they nicknamed him ‘Roquembach’, referencing Brazilian Fabio Rochemback, one of the club’s poorest performers. Additionally, Roque’s arrival was met with skepticism from the club’s youth academy. La Masia trainers noted deficiencies during the forward’s training sessions.

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Despite the disdain for the Brazilian youngster at Barcelona, the club described his January arrival in a positive light. However, the 19-year-old forward might soon end his Barcelona stint, with hopes of finding success elsewhere.

Al-Hilal approach Barcelona for potential Vitor Roque deal

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal have approached FC Barcelona, making a potential transfer offer for 19-year-old forward Vitor Roque. The young Brazilian, who arrived in January from Athletico Paranaense, has been made available by Barcelona this summer.

Vitor Roque Barcelona
Vitor Roque signed for Barcelona in January this year. (via IMAGO)

The Saudi club has added him to their shortlist for the summer transfer window. While the Catalan club might be willing to sell Roque, the final decision depends on the player and his agents. Al-Hilal reportedly proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but Barcelona prefers an immediate sale for approximately €40 million.

Moreover, the Brazilian forward’s departure from Camp Nou would create space for several new signings. Barcelona is highly interested in acquiring the Spanish Euro 2024 winning duo, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams.

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