As Ángel Haro emphasized early Wednesday morning at Seville Airport, before the team departed for Slovakia, Vitor Roque is very keen on joining Real Betis. “We are convinced that he is excited and passionate about Betis’ project, but it’s not simple,” he said. The player’s determination has been crucial in ensuring that the deal, the final details of which are being ironed out, can be successfully completed, and the Betis club can secure a new centre-forward.
Although Sporting Lisbon were also in the running, willing to pay to acquire the Brazilian outright, Betis is now set to be the attacker’s destination. The Portuguese club tempted Barcelona with money, but they would have lost control over the striker. Vitor Roque was clear that he wanted to remain in Spain or return to his home country. A new adventure in another league, such as the Portuguese league, was not part of his plans.
The interest shown by Betis and the club’s project ultimately tipped the scales. Ramón Alarcón, Manu Fajardo, and Joaquín Sánchez travelled to Barcelona to speak directly with Barcelona and the player. These conversations were key in allowing Vitor Roque to learn details that ultimately convinced him.
Other Spanish clubs have also shown interest in Vitor Roque’s situation in recent weeks. Clubs like Girona and Real Sociedad have been keeping an eye on the Brazilian. However, with the player’s approval and Barcelona’s agreement, Betis will be the attacker’s destination if the final details of the deal can be finalized.
Now Vitor Roque, who Manuel Pellegrini admires, will complete the list of Betis’ strikers. Alongside the still-injured Cédric Bakambu, the Brazilian will be the other number nine at the Engineer’s disposal for the new season, which kicked off last Thursday.
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