FC Barcelona news: The number 10 jersey, worn by the likes of Lionel Messi, is currently vacant following Ansu Fati’s move to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ansu Fati signed for Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan deal from FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window of 2023. The 20-year-old had been wearing the number 10 jersey at Barcelona following Lionel Messi’s exit from the club in 2021.
Joao Felix, who Barcelona signed from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal, meanwhile, opted for the number 14 jersey at Barcelona. SPORT reports that one of the reasons why the deadline day signing opted against taking up the number 10 jersey is because of the expectation that comes with it.
The fact that he has joined Barcelona on a loan deal and that it is not certain the club will sign him on a permanent deal next summer is another reason why Joao Felix did not choose the number 10 jersey.
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FC Barcelona News: Vitor Roque To Inherit Number 10 Jersey That Once Belonged to Lionel Messi?
In the latest Barcelona news, the number 10 jersey that once belonged to Lionel Messi will likely have a new occupant next year.
According to a report in El Nacional, Barcelona and Nike have agreed to give the number 10 jersey to Vitor Roque, who will join the Catalan outfit in 2024.
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Barcelona announced in July this year that they have reached an agreement with Club Athletico Paranaense for the transfer of Vitor Roque. The player is expected to join Barcelona for the 24/25 season and will sign a contract that runs until 2031. There will also be a buy-out clause of €500m inserted in the contract.
Vitor Roque has been impressive for Club Athletico Paranaense. He has so far made 76 appearances for the Brazilian club and has racked up 27 goals. 40 of those matches and 20 of those goals have come in 2023.
The 18-year-old also made his debut for Brazil’s national football team earlier this year, coming on as a substitute in their 2-1 defeat to Morocco.
It remains to be seen what jersey number Vitor Roque will wear when he joins Barcelona, but El Nacional reports that club president Joan Laporta intends to give him the number 10 jersey.
