Transfer Talk: Torres tempted by Xavi's Barca rebuild

Ferran Torres has been the subject of much transfer speculation in recent weeks due to his lack of game time at Manchester City.

The Spaniard has only featured in four Premier League games for the champions this season — scoring twice and assisting once. 

Barcelona are reported to be keen on the 21-year-old but their financial restraints could scupper a deal for the forward.

We take a look at Torres' current situation to find out why the Catalan giants are on his trail.

Finding his feet

Torres is yet to become a regular starter under Pep Guardiola.

Since joining the Manchester club in 2020, the Valencia youth product has featured just 28 times in the Premier League and only seven times in the Champions League.

During the current campaign, Torres has netted three times in seven appearances in all competitions.

The Foios-born forward spent over 10 years at Valencia, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2019 before making the switch to England for a fee of £19.5million plus bonuses the following year.

City's No21 won the Premier League and Carabao Cup in his first season at the club — before falling short in the Champions League final against Chelsea.

At Euro 2020, Torres was involved with a Spain squad that were eliminated by eventual winners Italy — courtesy of a penalty shootout in the semi-finals.

Despite being left out of the Spanish Olympic squad that claimed silver in the Tokyo 2020 games, Torres has returned to the national team in recent months.

He scored four goals in six World Cup qualifying matches and has cemented his position in Luis Enrique's plans for the tournament next year.

Versatility

Torres established himself as a winger or wide forward in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.

But under one of the best coaches of all time in Guardiola, he has found his feet as more of a central striker this term.

His ability to drift in between defenders and use his pace to create goalscoring opportunities has allowed other City stars such as Raheem Sterling to thrive.

The Spanish starlet spoke on his versatility, saying: "I consider myself a winger — it's where I show my potential the most, but it's also good to play as a striker.

"I feel comfortable in any of the three positions at the front. The only thing I want is to keep playing, so it doesn't matter to me in which position."

Former City goalkeeper David James agrees with the player and believes Guardiola should utilise his talent.

James said: "I think he is so versatile. He is still so young.

"Pep can use him wherever he needs to and at the moment if it is front of goal and he is scoring goals, that is what City fans want to see."

Spain's golden boy

Torres' Spain career has been full of success so far.

He won the European Championship with the youth squad and has already played in a Euros semi and Nations League final at senior level.

Torres scored twice in the 2-1 win over Italy during the recent Nations League semi-final, sending his nation on to the final against France where he impressed once again.

With 12 goals in 22 caps for his country, he is becoming an integral part of a side who are aiming for World Cup glory in 2022.

Spain boss Enrique likes to play a high press and to dominate the ball — something Torres is used to for City.

If he can harness the energy and ability he demonstrates for the national team, Torres may be able to force his way into Guardiola's plans in the near future.

A future outside of England?

Reports have emerged stating that Torres is interested in a potential switch to Barca either in January or in the summer.

His lack of game time will have been frustrating but the youngster has missed 10 matches through injury this season.

At 21, Torres still has the majority of his career ahead of him meaning he does not need to rush any decisions regarding his future.

His talent is evident and it is no surprise that Xavi wants the trickster at the Camp Nou — Torres could prove to be the heir to Lionel Messi, with the two playing in a similar position.

Alternatively, Torres could stay in Manchester — he is almost guaranteed to win at least one trophy every season and could become a star man under Guardiola.

Barca's financial complications may restrict their ability to sign a player like Torres, who has over three years left on his current contract.

But whatever does happen, Torres is sure to be a regular name in the headlines as he continues his development over the next five years.