Paris Saint-Germain Nears Torres Deal
Paris Saint-Germain is nearing an agreement to sign forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona. The deal for the Spain international is reported to be around €50 million. Torres was granted permission to miss training this week as discussions to finalize his move progressed.
The 26-year-old forward’s future at Barcelona had been uncertain. Reports in July indicated that his departure was a possibility. Barcelona is open to selling Torres, partly due to a clause in his original transfer agreement from Manchester City. This clause would require a payment of approximately €8 million to Manchester City if his contract were renewed.
Sources familiar with the situation note that Barcelona sporting director Deco was hesitant to offer Torres a contract extension because of the financial implications. Selling Torres would allow Barcelona to avoid the possibility of him leaving as a free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Torres’ Impact and Barcelona’s Forward Search
Torres has been with Barcelona since 2022, following two years at Manchester City. He has made 207 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 65 goals and providing 23 assists. He played a role in the club’s La Liga title successes, including the 2022-23 season and back-to-back titles.
Last season, Torres scored 21 goals in 49 appearances under Hansi Flick, operating primarily as a forward but also featuring on the wings. He also contributed significantly on the international stage, scoring the winning goal in extra-time against Argentina to help Spain secure their second men’s World Cup this summer. This victory marked Spain‘s second consecutive major international tournament win.
His potential departure would mean Barcelona loses two main strikers from last season, as Robert Lewandowski also left the club upon his contract’s expiry. This situation places additional pressure on Barcelona‘s search for a new number nine. The club’s primary target for the No. 9 spot, Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, has been deemed not for sale by his current club.
Reunion with Luis Enrique and Future Prospects
The move would see Torres reunite with PSG head coach Luis Enrique, under whom he previously played for the Spanish national team. PSG, managed by the former Barcelona coach and player, has won the Champions League in the past two seasons. The Parisians recently added to their silverware collection by defeating Aston Villa 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
Torres has reportedly agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with PSG. This transfer would be the second high-profile forward signing for PSG this summer, following the arrival of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco. PSG could potentially lose Bradley Barcola this summer, as the forward is reportedly wanted by Liverpool.
For Barcelona, the sale provides a significant financial injection, especially since Torres was entering the final year of his contract. The €50 million fee is considered acceptable for the club. Torres leaves Barcelona having made 207 appearances, registering 65 goals and 23 assists, and contributing to three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey.
The final stages of the transfer involve Torres undergoing a medical assessment with PSG staff. The agreement is verbally binding between the presidents and sporting directors, with official confirmation pending the successful completion of these physical tests.
Source: bbc.com
