Abel Ferreira Defends Vitor Roque’s Form and Questions Barcelona Critics: “Are There Blind Scouts?”
Palmeiras coach says €25M striker needs time to regain confidence after rough European stint.
Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira came to the defense of striker Vitor Roque following criticism about the young forward’s performance since joining the club in early 2025. In a recent press conference, Ferreira referenced Barcelona’s scouts to support his belief in Roque’s long-term potential.
“Does Barcelona have blind scouts? Don’t we know the quality of this player?” Ferreira asked rhetorically, referring to the Catalan club’s past investment in the 20-year-old striker.
Barcelona Sold Roque After Short Stint
Vitor Roque arrived at Palmeiras as the most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football, following a €25 million transfer from Barcelona. The La Liga side had originally signed him for €30 million from Athletico Paranaense in January 2024, but opted to sell him barely a year later due to limited impact and adaptation challenges.
Barcelona could still recover the full amount thanks to performance-based bonuses attached to the deal.
“Playing With 50kg on His Shoulders”
Despite a difficult debut season, Ferreira emphasized that Roque’s signing was part of a long-term project, not a quick fix. The coach highlighted the mental pressure on the young striker:
“He’s going through a rough patch, he’s 20 years old. I feel like he’s playing with 50kg on his shoulders,” said Abel, following Palmeiras’ 1–1 draw with Mirassol at Allianz Parque.
Since joining Palmeiras, Roque has scored three goals and is now targeting the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil knockout stages to solidify his comeback.
Rough Spell in Europe
Roque struggled for consistency at Barcelona and during his loan at Real Betis, which ultimately prompted the Spanish giants to part ways. His return to Brazil is viewed by both Palmeiras and the player as a chance to reset and rebuild confidence.
Abel Ferreira reiterated that the club fully supports Roque and expects improvement in the coming months.
