Xavi says Barcelona will ‘take things slowly’ with new signing Vitor Roque

Barcelona boss Xavi maintains the club will not expect too much too soon from teenager Vitor Roque.

The 18-year-old Brazil forward has been training with his new team-mates after arriving in Catalonia to complete a 40million euro (£35m) move from Athletico Paranaense, but has yet to be officially registered with LaLiga.

Xavi, though, played down suggestions of any complications over Barcelona’s financial fair play restrictions and suggested Roque could be involved for Thursday’s match at Las Palmas.

Xavi: “We don’t want to burden Vitor Roque with too much responsibility. He is very young and he has to adapt. He is fine, but we will be cautious.” pic.twitter.com/5E5agtUtYf

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 3, 2024

Barcelona put a buy-out clause of 500million euros (£432m) in his long-term contract, which runs until June 2031.

Xavi, though, insists Roque will be given the time needed to establish himself in the side.

“The registration process is the only thing missing. He will be in the squad list. We hope to have him available (for Thursday). I imagine it’s a question of hours,” Xavi said.