Barca loan out struggling striker Roque and Lenglet

English Woman's Journal - Barca loan out struggling striker Roque and Lenglet

SPORTS 26.08.2024

Barca loan out struggling striker Roque and Lenglet / Photo: Ander Gillenea - AFP/File

Barcelona loaned striker Vitor Roque to fellow La Liga side Real Betis on Monday after he failed to make an impact in his first few months at the club.

Change text size:

The Catalan giants also loaned centre-back Clement Lenglet to title rivals Atletico Madrid.

Brazilian forward Roque arrived from Athletico Paranaense in January after Barca signed him for around 30 million euros ($33.5 million) in July 2023.

He scored two goals in 16 games for the club as Barcelona watched rivals Real Madrid lift La Liga and the Champions League.

"Agreement reached between FC Barcelona and Real Betis for the loan of Vitor Roque until June 30 2025, with the option of another year," said Barcelona in a statement.

The Catalan giants confirmed Betis also have an option to buy the 19-year-old.

"You cannot say I don't count on him, that's totally wrong," Barca coach Hansi Flick told reporters Monday.

"It's a good chance for him to play, he's doing a lot of things really great... fingers crossed he's playing really well and improves."

French defender Lenglet, 29, joins Atletico until the end of the season, after previous loans to Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Barcelona have not been able to register summer signing Dani Olmo with La Liga yet, owing to their economic difficulties and the league's strict financial rules.

They let Ilkay Gundogan return to Manchester City last week and coach Hansi Flick was hopeful it would give the club enough room to register Olmo, but the playmaker was not available to face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

"This is a thing neither the player nor the coach can control," said Flick, ahead of Barca's league clash with Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday.

"We both know. We spoke about the situation. We know it's a little bit difficult here in Barcelona

"I believe in the club and... hopefully (he can be involved in) the match tomorrow. Of course every player who cannot play for this reason is not happy."

K.McMillan--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Barca loan out struggling striker Roque and Lenglet