Vinicius Nunes Rocha will not be joining Barcelona as a player. The team’s manager, Jordi Torras, has ruled out the signing of the Benfica Pivot. Negotiations for the Brazilian international’s move had been ongoing for months, but a lack of financial agreement prevented the contract from being finalized. Although he was initially considered as the desired replacement for Ferrao’s departure, the Palau offices decided against accepting his salary demands.
Money Issue
Especially after receiving a stratospheric offer from Russian futsal. Rocha’s contract expired in June, and he could have arrived with a free transfer. A left-handed player aged 28 with European experience from his time at Benfica and Sporting, Rocha represented a market opportunity. However, his insistence on economic claims outside the Barcelona club’s new spending containment policy, coupled with disappointing behavior, led to the decision to shelve his signing.
No easy replacement
Finding a guaranteed replacement for Ferrao is a challenging task. But Barcelona’s sports management is already monitoring a list of at least five names to fill the center position for the next season. A select casting process has been initiated in Europe, as Torras prefers players with experience on the continent. National options are not being dismissed. Everything remains open and under study, with Barcelona now willing to pay termination clauses.
Following their Spanish Cup victory, Barcelona intends to take its time with transfers. Finalizing the departure of Jesús Velasco and the arrival of Tino Pérez is still pending. With Ferrao and André Coelho leaving and Sergio González sidelined until January 2025 due to injury, Torras aims to make at least three signings in the summer market – two wingers and a center.
In House Solution
Within the Barcelona team, there is a clear determination to avoid a repeat of this season’s injury crisis. The latest casualty is Dyego Zuffo, who suffered a left thigh direct quadriceps tendon injury. Surgical treatment has been chosen, and Dr. Jordi Puigdellívol, from the Barcelona club’s Medical Services, will operate on him on Wednesday, April 3, at Barcelona Hospital. Dyego will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
With Dyego, Adolfo (discomfort in the right thigh adductor), and Pito (pubis discomfort) out, along with the previously known absences of captain Sergio Lozano, Ferrao, Sergio González, and Álex Yepes, Barcelona faces the derby against Industrias Santa Coloma with seven injured players – half the squad. Coach Jesús Velasco will have only five court players from the first team available, alongside goalkeepers Dídac and Miquel Feixas. Velasco will have to field a mix of first-team and reserve players in the next two games against Industrias Santa Coloma and Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares. Later, there will be a fifteen-day break for international friendly matches, with the Brazilians released. Before the UEFA Futsal Champions League Final Four on May 3 against Sporting, Barcelona will play three games against Real Betis (April 19), Jimbee Cartagena (April 23), and Movistar Inter (April 27).
