Ferran Torres is now a Paris Saint-Germain player. The Spanish forward is leaving Barcelona to join the European champions in a deal worth approximately 50 million euros.
The 26-year-old forward had informed Barcelona last week of his intention to sign with PSG, after reaching an agreement on his personal terms. Over the past few days, the player was granted permission to be absent from Barcelona’s training sessions while negotiations were underway.
Torres arrives in Paris after winning the World Cup with Spain. The forward played a starring role in the final against Argentina, scoring the goal that secured victory for the Spanish team.
One of the main highlights of his arrival at PSG will be his reunion with Luis Enrique. The Parisian coach previously managed Torres during his tenure as head coach of the Spanish national team and will now once again have the forward at his disposal at the club level.
Barcelona was willing to let the player leave this summer because his contract with the club was set to expire next summer. Furthermore, Torres had publicly expressed his desire to play for PSG in various interviews.
In fact, the forward had asked Barcelona to “show him a little affection” if they truly intended to keep him, making clear his intention to seek a new destination.
PSG needed to bolster its attack following the departures of Gonçalo Ramos, who left for AC Milan, and Randal Kolo Muani, who left the club permanently to join Juventus. Ousmane Dembélé has played in more central positions, but Luis Enrique was looking for more offensive options.
Torres began his career as a winger, although during his last two seasons with Barcelona he played primarily as a center forward. His offensive performance also supported his move to Paris: last season he scored 21 goals in 49 games, after netting 19 goals in 45 matches the previous season.
The Spanish forward’s departure also forces Barcelona to seek alternatives to bolster its offense. The club has already set its sights on Julián Álvarez as its top target, although Atlético Madrid’s refusal to part with the Argentine forward could lead the Blaugrana to explore other options.
