Chelsea linked with shock move for ex-Barcelona striker – but it could backfire for both sides
WANDERLUSTSPORT can explain why it would be a poor idea for Chelsea to make a surprise deal for former Barcelona center-forward Vitor Roque.
In the summer, Chelsea changed their striker options, signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro while allowing Nicolas Jackson to complete a loan-to-buy deal with Bayern Munich.
After learning of Delap’s injury, Jackson’s transfer to Bayern was first put on hold; nevertheless, Chelsea eventually allowed the Senegalese to move to Bavaria and chose to call up Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland.
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Delap only made three Premier League appearances for Chelsea before suffering a severe hamstring injury.
The Englishman is “very close” to going back to training, according to Enzo Maresca. Pedro had a fantastic start to his Chelsea career, but he has had a rough few weeks.
Rising star Guiu has begun to get more playing time recently since the Brazilian appears to perform better when he is playing directly behind a more natural No 9.
Even if Delap is getting closer to making a comeback, Roque, who currently plays for Palmeiras, is expected to join Chelsea in January to reinforce their striker ranks.
Goal Brazil claims that Chelsea is “evaluating an offer for him in the next transfer window” and is “closely monitoring” Roque’s progress back in South America.
Roque has scored 17 goals in 46 games during his “comeback” with Palmeiras. According to the article, this has caught Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s attention.
The Palmeiras directors will only sell for a very high price, possibly as much as €77 million (£67 million or $89 million), because they view the one-cap Brazil international as an important member of the first squad.
Palmeiras would make a significant profit on a €77 million trade, considering they only paid €25 million (£22 million or $29 million) to recruit Roque from Barcelona in February.
Even though the 20-year-old is effectively reviving his career, we are rather concerned about a potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.
First of all, since January is a World Cup year, Roque would be taking a huge risk by trying to make a large transfer.
He has a chance to join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil team if he keeps scoring goals for Palmeiras. There, he may support players like Richarlison and Igor Jesus.
However, with Delap on the verge of making a comeback and Pedro and Guiu posing a threat, Roque is not assured of starting in Chelsea’s starting lineup.
Roque’s hopes of playing for his nation at the World Cup would be dashed as he warmed the bench in west London. Given Roque’s performance at Barcelona, Chelsea should also avoid him.
He was hailed as Robert Lewandowski’s replacement when he signed a €40 million (£35 million or $46 million) contract with Barca in January 2024.
However, Roque was loaned to Real Betis after just 16 appearances and two goals.Prior to permanently joining Palmeiras, he played the first part of the previous season with Betis.
After struggling at Barcelona, Vitor Roque picking up form at Chelsea is a doubt right now
Then, Xavi, the manager of Barcelona, claimed that the team had signed him too soon and ought to have given him more time to grow in Brazil.
Xavi lost all faith in Roque as a result of his inability to adjust to the high level of Spanish football. There were even rumours that at one point, Xavi stopped talking to the child.
Roque struggled to get playing time and eventually left Barca without having a significant effect.
Even while the player is scoring goals in Brazil once more, his performance for Barcelona makes it difficult to imagine him succeeding at Chelsea.
Chelsea should sign a player with high-level scoring experience in Europe if they are serious about adding another No. 9 to Maresca’s team. Two better choices are Samu Aghehowa and Dusan Vlahovic.
Chelsea is reportedly the “frontrunners” in the race to capture an Aston Villa player valued at £80 million.
Chelsea has been favoured to acquire a new central midfield player in 2026 in addition to center-forward reinforcements.
The Blues have been connected to a number of unexpectedly experienced players, and multiple sources have looked into one specific target but have not yet revealed it.
