Daniele Pradè, Fiorentina’s sporting director, has disclosed the club’s unsuccessful bid to acquire Brazilian striker Vitor Roque from Barcelona during the recent transfer window. The Italian side’s interest in the 19-year-old was thwarted by Barcelona’s hefty price tag.
“We tried to sign Vitor Roque, but the conditions were impossible at that time. Barcelona wanted €40 million for him, so there was no chance,” Pradè explained during a press conference.
Roque, who struggled to make an impact at Barcelona under both Xavi Hernández and Hansi Flick, has since joined Real Betis on loan in search of more playing time. Manuel Pellegrini appears to have faith in the young forward as a potential starting striker for the Andalusian club.
While Fiorentina were keen on bringing Roque to Serie A, Barcelona’s financial demands proved too steep. As a result, the Viola opted for Moise Kean, securing the Italian striker for a more modest fee of 13 million euros.
The Brazilian international, currently with his national U-20 team where he recently scored a brace, had expressed a preference to remain in Spain. Porto were also interested in Roque’s services, but ultimately, the move to Betis was deemed the best fit for all parties involved.
