Barca struggling to register Vitor Roque after miscalculation of salary limit

Barcelona are struggling to register new forward Vitor Roque, which is an all-too familiar feeling for Culers these days. He was set to make his first call-up on Thursday against Las Palmas, but with his presentation being delayed until next week, it may be that his debut is too.

Roque, 18, was signed from Athletico Paranaense for €30m plus €31m in variables, and was due to sign on next summer, but the deal was brought forward in order to give Robert Lewandowski some back-up amid struggles for the Blaugrana.

According to Jijantes, Barcelona are struggling to register Roque too. They say that Roque was due to be brought in as an injury replacement for Gavi, with Blaugrana able to use 80% of his wages to sign a replacement on loan or on a free.

Yet Roque’s transfer fee included, La Liga say that the money freed up to replace Gavi does not reach the amount required to register the Brazilian. The conversations between Barcelona and La Liga are ongoing, with the Barcelona coaching staff confident that they will have him available for Las Palmas.

It seems remarkable that Barcelona could have committed to the Roque signing without prior confirmation from La Liga that they would be able to register his contract. Unless La Liga have altered their criteria at the last minute, then it is a grave miscalculation on the part of Barcelona, with no other moving parts in the equation. This would not be the first time that Barcelona have done so though, preferring to sort the registration later. Inigo Martinez was not registered until late in the window this season, although he was injured, while Jules Kounde missed two games last season as he was registered late.