Torres absence signals imminent Paris move

Barcelona’s Ferran Torres did not take part in training on Wednesday as negotiations over his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain moved towards a final agreement. The 26-year-old had been scheduled to return to Hansi Flick’s squad, but was instead permitted to stay away while the clubs worked through the last details of a deal.

Reports place the eventual fee in the region of €50 million to €55 million. Barcelona rejected an initial €40 million offer from PSG, while the French club would prefer to remain closer to that figure. Torres has a contract with Barcelona until the end of June 2027, although no renewal agreement has been reached and the player has indicated that he wants to leave.

A polarising player leaving at a critical moment

Torres joined Barcelona from Manchester City in January 2022 and endured a difficult start, with inconsistent goal contributions and uncertainty over his best position. His fortunes improved under Flick: used as a full-time striker, he scored 40 goals across the last two seasons and became a dependable option in the attack.

His departure would nevertheless arrive at an awkward time. Robert Lewandowski has already left after his contract expired and later joined Chicago Fire, meaning Torres is currently Barcelona’s only senior recognised centre-forward. Barcelona would also face an additional cost of around €7 million to €8 million if Torres extended his contract because of a clause in his original transfer from Manchester City. His initial move cost €55 million plus up to €10 million in add-ons.

Álvarez pursuit grows more difficult

Barcelona’s preferred replacement remains Julián Álvarez, but optimism over a deal with Atlético Madrid has faded. Atlético chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has said the club would not consider offers even worth €200 million, a valuation Barcelona would not approach. Álvarez has expressed a desire to leave, but that has not changed Atlético’s public stance.

The situation leaves Barcelona facing a major squad-planning decision. The club could continue waiting for movement on Álvarez, pursue a more attainable striker or use an improvised false No 9. Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are among the players who could fill that role, while Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi offer further attacking versatility.

Yet Barcelona’s need is not only for fluidity. With Lewandowski and Torres set to remove a combined 43 goals from last season’s squad, Flick still needs a focal point capable of finishing chances and occupying opposing centre-backs. Selling Torres may bring valuable income, but it also risks leaving Barcelona short in the position that was identified as the club’s top transfer priority.