Barcelona Youngster Vitor Roque Reportedly Turns Down Al Hilal Initial Contract
Talks between Al Hilal and Vitor Roque’s camp have failed to yield a positive result with the player’s representatives turning down the Saudi Pro League side’s initial contract proposal. Al Hilal remaining confident they can convince Roque and they have not walked away from the deal yet.
With Barcelona pursuing Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, Vitor Roque is in a precarious position. Barcelona are open to selling the 19-year-old and gave Al Hilal permission to speak to him. Since his arrival at Camp Nou in January, Roque has made only 14 appearances, most of them off the bench.
Barcelona placed a €40 million price tag on the young Brazilian and given that the club allowed Al Hilal to negotiate personal terms, it is likely that the Saudi Pro League side is willing to meet the set price.
Despite Roque turning down Al Hilal, the approach is an indication of the Saudi Pro League’s changing transfer strategy. Attracting young talented players yet to hit their prime will be integral in raising the standard of the League. Al Hilal have also enquired about other young strikers with a similar profile to Roque including Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.
Roque’s high sale price is due to the seven years left on his contract. He still has plenty of time to prove himself at Barcelona and will be keen to stay and fight for a place in the squad regardless of who the club signs this summer.
