Barcelona receive surprise €20m bid for Ferran Torres from Premier League club: Reports
Newcastle United have reportedly made an offer to Barcelona for Ferran Torres. The Magpies appear to have set their sights on the Spanish forward, who endured a frustrating 2023-24 campaign with the La Liga giants.
Spanish outlet Jijantes FC reports that the Tyneside outfit has offered €20 million, including bonuses for Torres. The 24-year-old attacker lacked a consistent starting role under Xavi last season, with 12 starts in La Liga.
Torres appeared 42 times across competitions, registering 11 goals and four assists. The Catalans used his versatility as he was deployed on both wings and up top in attack.
The 41-cap Spain international joined Barcelona from Manchester City in January 2022 for €55 million. He has Premier League experience and could suit Eddie Howe's brand of football at St James' Park as he relies on his players pressing.
Hansi Flick could hand Torres a fresh opportunity as a starter at Camp Nou next season. The German coach succeeded Xavi, who was sacked at the end of last season.
Torres has three years left on his contract with the Catalans and will focus on Euro 2024 with Spain before pre-season. He could be out to impress in Germany with question marks over his club future.
"The best club in the world" - Ferran Torres explained leaving the Premier League for Barcelona in 2022
Torres emerged as one of the Premier League's most exciting talents after breaking into City's first team. The young forward appeared 43 times for Pep Guardiola's Cityzens, posting 16 goals and four assists.
Barcelona took notice of his rise at the Etihad and swooped for his signature in January 2022. It was a move he was eager to make because he viewed the Catalans as the best club in the world. He told Mundo Deportivo a month after the transfer:
"Barca is the best club in the world, everyone knows its history: it always fights for every title. When I left Valencia to go to Manchester City, I knew I would come back to play for one of the best teams in La Liga. It was my dream. And it has been fulfilled. When the option of Barca came up, from the first moment I said I wanted to come."
Torres started his career in his homeland with Valencia before heading to City four years ago. He rose through the youth ranks at the Mestalla and caught the eye with fine performances for the La Liga side's senior team.
The Spaniard always dreamed of playing in the Spanish top-flight which is why he was eager to join Barcelona. He's since made 113 appearances, winning three major trophies including the La Liga title.