Pau Víctor: From Barcelona benchwarmer to Braga's record signing
The Spanish striker reflects on his difficult final weeks at Barcelona, his new life in Portugal, and his ambitions with Braga after becoming the club's record signing.
Young Spanish striker finding his feet in Portugal after leaving Barcelona last summer, now thriving as Braga’s record signing despite early adaptation challenges.
Barça to Braga: A new chapter
Pau Víctor’s journey from fighting for registration at Barcelona to becoming SC Braga’s record signing has been quite the ride for the 22-year-old forward. The Sant Cugat del Vallès native doesn’t seem fazed by the €12 million price tag that made him Braga’s most expensive signing ever.
“They’re 12 million, but I’m not exactly the most expensive signing in football history,” he quips with characteristic humility.
The striker has settled well in Portugal after what he describes as difficult final weeks at Barcelona, where registration issues created uncertainty for both him and Dani Olmo.
Finding form in Portugal
After a slow start in Portugal, Víctor has hit his stride, netting eight goals so far with half of those coming since December. The forward admits the lack of a proper pre-season affected his early performances:
- Started slowly while building match fitness
- Felt “a bit slow” during initial matches
- Has gained confidence as rhythm improved
- Scored 4 goals since December
The Spanish striker reveals he chose Braga despite interest from multiple clubs because they “bet the most” on him. A conversation with former manager Carlos Vicens proved decisive, while Raphinha’s positive words about Portuguese football also influenced his decision.
Ambitions beyond Portugal
Víctor isn’t shy about his future ambitions. Breaking into the Spanish national team ranks high on his list of goals, though he acknowledges there’s still significant work ahead.
“It’s a dream everyone has. Any player wants to represent Spain. I still have a lot to work on and improve, but it’s a future objective.”
At club level, he believes Braga has the quality to eventually challenge Portugal’s traditional powerhouses - Benfica, Sporting and Porto - though he admits they currently lack the consistency to match their performances against the big teams.
The recent defeat in the Portuguese League Cup final was particularly painful: “I think it’s the toughest moment I’ve experienced in my short career.”
Barcelona memories
Despite limited playing time at Barcelona, Víctor harbors no ill feelings toward his former club or manager Hansi Flick.
“Flick insisted a lot on me, and I don’t think I could ever say a bad word about him. He’s an exceptional coach who treated me brilliantly.”
The striker’s brother, Guillem Víctor, remains at Barcelona playing as a right-back for Barça Atlètic, with Pau believing his sibling has significant potential.
For now, though, Pau Víctor’s focus remains on repaying Braga’s record investment with goals and trophies as he continues his remarkable rise through European football.