Barcelona retain control of Jofre Torrents with €14m buyback in Ajax deal

Barcelona ensured they did not lose total control of promising left-back Jofre Torrents when they sanctioned his permanent departure to Ajax this week, building a buyback clause and right of first refusal into the agreement.

The 19-year-old defender saw his Barcelona stint officially brought to an end on Monday, with Deco and his board of directors approving a permanent exit to the Dutch heavyweights after weeks of speculation. The move came as a surprise to many, given Torrents was fresh off a breakout season and widely tipped as a future first-team star at the club.

As first reported by Diario Sport, the Blaugrana protected their interests in the finer details of the deal. Journalist Sergi Capdevila outlined the terms:

‘Barça reserves a €14 million buyback for Jofre Torrents starting in 2028. Additionally, for both him and Tommy Marqués, it holds right of first refusal (both Braga and Ajax must notify the club of any offer). Control over both, confidence in their development.’

The right of first refusal covers both Torrents at Ajax and Tommy Marqués at Braga, obliging both clubs to inform Barcelona of any offer received for the youngsters. It is a clear signal that, despite allowing two of their academy products to leave, the Catalan giants remain confident in their long-term development and want the first option to bring them back.

For now, though, Torrents will look to establish himself in the Eredivisie, with Barcelona holding a financial and contractual safety net should he fulfill the potential that made him such a highly rated prospect in Catalonia.