Manchester City forward Ferran Torres’ future at the club has been thrown into doubt by his apparent interest in joining Barcelona.
The Athletic’s Sam Lee reports that the former Valencia prospect has been seduced by the prospect of leading the line under Xavi at the Nou Camp.
Manchester City Forward Ferran Torres Future in Doubt Amid Barcelona Interest
Seduced by Barcelona Opportunity
As Sam Lee reports, Torres, 21, who joined Manchester City in August 2020, is interested in a January move to Barcelona, where he would lead the line in the number nine role.
Barcelona, of course, aren’t in the best place financially, as highlighted by the departure of Lionel Messi for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. The club, who recently appointed Xavi as their new head coach, are looking to raise funds that will allow them to sign Torres from City. The likes of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho are said to be among the players they are working hard to offload.
Torres is not said to be desperate to leave Manchester City, but keen nonetheless.
Since arriving in Manchester, Torres has played a hand in 20 goals – scored 16, assisted four – in 43 appearances.
He is currently out of action with a foot injury.
Torres played a starring role in the 5-0 win over Arsenal earlier this campaign, though his two goals and one assist remain his only output in 2021/22.
Manchester City are well on course to mount another title challenge this season, sitting in second place, three points off the top. Though, that may not be enough to convince Torres to stay.
Torres is said to want more regular football and is expecting Manchester City to sign a striker, a blow to his hopes of playing more.
City Aware of Ferran Torres’ Intentions
The report adds that Torres has not had a direct conversation with Pep Guardiola, as earlier reports had suggested was the case, but City are aware of the intentions.
It is also revealed that Barcelona’s director of football Mateu Alemany and chief executive Ferran Reverter were at The Blues’ training ground on Friday for business meetings.
Barcelona have not had the best start to the season, dismissing Ronald Koeman just weeks ago. They sit seventh in La Liga and, going into matchday six, are yet to secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Torres has scored 12 goals in 22 appearances for Spain.
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