Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr plans stunning swoop for Barcelona’s flop that went gold, as Lionel Messi’s ex-club set for a huge windfall

Christiano Ronaldo could soon be at the center of another surprise transfer storyline Al-Nassr follows a rising South American star whose European dream was once unraveled far too soon. While Barcelona, ​​​​the former club of Lionel Messicontinues to deal with financial constraints, but an unexpected opportunity for a lucrative windfall quietly arises. What makes the story even more intriguing is that the player in question was once written off as a failed experiment in Europe, only to spectacularly reinvent himself thousands of miles away.

As the Saudi Pro League intensifies its global recruitment strategy, Al-Nassr scans the market for talent that can make an immediate impact. And somewhere between redemption, reinvention and raw potential, a former Barcelona forward has forced his name back into the elite conversation.

Not so long ago, this striker’s time in Europe seemed over before it had even started. His short stay at Camp Nou, which he signed with high expectations, failed to materialize and a subsequent loan spell did little to change the story. When he returned to Brazil, many considered it a step backwards. Instead, it became the turning point in his career.

Once called one of Brazil’s best prospects, Victor Roque has rediscovered the aggressive, vertical edge that originally attracted the European giants. Under Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras, he has emerged as a decisive striker rather than a development project. His performances have earned him renewed attention from the Brazilian national team, with the World Cup 2026 menacing and Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly keeping a close eye on his progress.

Since I joined Palmeiras, a deal was worth it $30 millionThe Brazilian striker has flourished. About 59 competitive matcheshe delivered Twenty goals and five assiststransforming himself into the club’s attacking reference point. Trust, continuity and confidence have replaced uncertainty, and the results have been explosive. According to the CIES Football Observatoryits market value has now risen to almost $99 millionmore than triple the Brazilian side’s initial investment. This rapid rise has not gone unnoticed.

Deco reveals why Vitor Roque failed at Barcelona

Barcelona sporting director Deco has spoken candidly about why the move never worked, insisting the club’s decision was never about a lack of quality. “From a quality perspective, I don’t think we made a mistake,” he explained. “Our plan was to sign a future successor to Robert Lewandowski.”

The problem, according to Deco, was timing and context. “He moved to a new country and joined a big club, facing a lot of pressure while not getting enough playing time to adapt properly.” he added. A loan measure was intended to stabilize the situation, but that also fell short. “His loan didn’t go as hoped, and then we got an offer from Palmeiras. We decided this was the best solution for everyone.” Barcelona has recouped its investment and can soon return to profit.

FC Barcelona’s Vitor Roque looks on

Why Al-Nassr is under close scrutiny

According to the Portuguese journalist Pablo Oliveira, Al-Nassr has emerged as a serious admirer of Roqueand views him as a long-term offensive asset rather than a short-term gamble. The Saudi club’s interests align perfectly with their strategy: acquiring players who are in or approaching their prime, raising the sport’s level of competition and creating resale value – all while competing for domestic and continental titles.

For Roque, the appeal is different. Saudi Arabia offers stability, visibility and an opportunity to continue growing without the relentless pressure that accompanied its early European move. While Barcelona have no plans to bring back the striker, they are keeping a close eye on his next move, and for good reason. When Palmeiras signed him, the Catalans cleverly added one 20% resale clause in the agreement. That clause could soon prove invaluable.