Barcelona 'stopped an offer from Tottenham' – Spurs wages much higher, presented pressure for Blaugrana

Today at 05:16 AM

Sunday’s edition of Catalan newspaper Sport has a big article on the fight Barcelona put up to sign Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense.

The Blaugrana agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian in July 2023, but he didn’t physically make the move until January 2024. He struggled to have a quick and consistent impact with Barcelona and in the summer he was loaned to Real Betis for two seasons with a €25m buying option.

Barcelona paid more than that. Their deal was worth €30m plus a potential €31m in bonus payments, and Sport have now suggested Tottenham competition was part of the reason they paid so much and rushed the signing through.

Sport explain intermediary André Cury was working on behalf of Barcelona and ‘stopped an offer from Tottenham’ getting through. Deco, who was then simply working as an advisor to the Catalan club, was also involved.

Tottenham were offering the player €4.8m in wages, according to Sport, and that compared to the €1.8m he got at Barca. However, a job had been done on the youngster and he was convinced to snub Spurs.

At Real Betis this season, 19-year-old Vitor Roque has scored seven goals in 27 matches. Prior to the loan move to Betis being agreed, Tottenham interest reportedly returned so perhaps it’s a situation to keep an eye on for the future.

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