In a recent report, Globo Espote claimed that West Ham United are in talks to land Athletico Paranense starlet Vitor Roque. It has been revealed that the Hammers are showing interest in recruiting the Brazilian whizkid as they look to strengthen their squad for the future.
Roque’s Impressive Rise In Brazilian Football
Roque has established himself as a decent performer at the Brazilian club and has been responsible for putting in some impressive performances for them in the final third. The 18-year-old has done well to register 11 goals and three assists in 41 matches for his current employers thus far across all competitions.
The one-time Brazil international has led the line well by averaging 1.4 shots, 0.4 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Brazilian Serie A. However, he needs to improve his link-up play on the attacking end of the pitch based on his pass completion rate of 70% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Roque is under contract at Athletico Paranense until the summer of 2027. Therefore, it won’t be easy for the Hammers to land him on the cheap at the end of this campaign.
West Ham United Are In Talks To Sign Roque: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Roque is proficent at finding space for himself to get a few shots in at goal. He can strike the ball purely from all ranges and has got the eye to play some dangerous passes in the final third. The Brazilian prospect is a technically gifted footballer but is still quite inexperienced at the highest level.
Still, there is no denyning that Roque will be a massive, long-term acquisition for West Ham this summer. He has the potential to become a future star in European football and is already good enough to rival Michail Antonio and Danny Ings for a regular starting place at the East London club in the coming seasons.
At 18, Roque is only going to get better as he matures as a footballer. Thus, the Hammers would have to be patient with his progress if they manage to get him on board later this season.
Roque is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future which makes him an excellent option for David Moyes to consider for the long run.
