It was difficult to know what to make of the claims that Manchester United made an offer of ‘over 100 million euros’ last summer for a striker who had barely made his debut.

Especially after Barcelona secured his signature in that very same window, paying an initial £26 million. So, where did that ‘100 million euro’ claim come from?

Unfortunately, the agent of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque would not elaborate, beyond insisting that Barcelona fought off competition not only from Manchester United but from fellow Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.

Maybe that ‘100 million euro’ outlay – or £86 million to those of us on this side of the Channel – was the overall package. Including substantial bonuses, wages over a period of a long-term contract, and agent fees to boot.

What we do know for certain is that, in the Vitor Roque camp, the confidence that Barca was the right club at the right time for the former Athletico Paranaense starlet has been eroded substantially over the last few months.

Manchester United back in for Barcelona’s Vitor Roque

Despite a bright start – Roque scored a late winner against Osasuna in January and followed that up with another goal against Alaves the following week – the 19-year-old poacher has spent the last few weeks gathering dust on the Blaugrana bench.

He did not play even a minute in that Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain, and has also been left out of each of the last three La Liga matches.

“Vitor Roque needs more playing time, and it’s puzzling why he’s not getting it,” sighs Andre Cury, the man who went public with Man United’s interest back in July 2023 (RAC1).

“He’s ready and waiting for his chance. But there have been several games where he could have been given the opportunity to shine. The player is mentally strong and in great physical condition.”

Frustrated at Camp Nou

Cury does draw comparisons between Roque’s lack of game time and the slow start compatriot Vinicius Junior made at Real Madrid. But unless things change and fast, Roque’s future may be the subject of much speculation for a second summer in succession.

Mundo Deportivo report that, in addition to Lyon, Sevilla, Real Betis and an Ineos-led Nice outfit, Man United have spoken to Roque’s camp to enquire about the possibility of an early departure from the Camp Nou.

“He’s eager to prove himself. In Barcelona, there’s a lot of unnecessary media noise, false information, and negativity. This doesn’t help,” Cury adds, while ruling out a temporary solution to the problem. “Look at Vinicius at Real Madrid. It took him time to settle, but now he’s thriving.

“The player is under contract with Barça. We chose Barca over other options because we wanted to play here. We believe Vitor will become a great player.

“But if Barca doesn’t allow it – whether it’s the club, the coach, or internal issues – we might have to explore other options.

“If the club does not give space to Vitor, unfortunately we will have to talk to the club to find a solution. A loan for a young boy ends up harming him because he goes to another club that does not own him and has no interest in taking care of him. This is very dangerous for the boy’s career.”

Agent said Man United wanted Brazil ace last summer

“The best thing is to stay at Barca,” Cury adds. “But, if he can’t stay, we will work to get him to leave permanently,” adds Cury, again referencing those reported mega-money bids from England. “But I and the player chose to come to Barca for less than half the price offers from other clubs.

“We are happy at Barça and we want to continue. If it is not possible, we will sit down with the president and with (director) Deco to find a good solution for all parties.”

Man United are expected to prioritise a striker to ease the burden on Rasmus Hojlund this summer. Despite scoring 21 goals in his final season at Athletico Paranaense, however, Roque may be another risky, work-in-progress signing for a club who appear in need of a more reliable, ready-to-go marksman.