Barcelona star linked with sensational PL return as Newcastle United register interest - Reports
Barcelona striker Ferran Torres is reportedly being pursued by Newcastle United. The 24-year-old spent one and a half seasons with Manchester City.
In 43 games across competitions, he registered 16 goals and four assists before joining Barcelona in January 2022. However, Torres has struggled to be a regular starter at the Camp Nou.
In 114 games across competitions, he has 25 goals and 13 assists. As per Sport (via The Daily Mail), Newcastle want to lure him back to the Premier League despite new Barca boss Hansi Flick starting Torres in the 2-1 La Liga win at Valencia at the weekend.
However, the pursuit might not be straighforward despite the player's reported asking price of £25.5 million. That's because Torres wants to remain at the Camp Nou.
With Miguel Almiron reportedly on his way to MLS, the Magpies are scurrying for quality wide options up front, with Torres being identified as one. However, they might have better luck pursuing alternate targets, as the player is seemingly not quite yearning for a Premier League return less than three years after leaving the league.
What's next for Barcelona?
Barcelona opened the Hansi Flick era in right earnest with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Valencia in their La Liga opener at the weekend. Hugo Duro broke the deadlock for the hosts on the cusp of half-time.
However, Robert Lewandowski equalised for the Blaugrana in the sixth minute of first-half added time before scoring once again in the 49th minute to put his team into the lead, which they never relinquished.
The La Liga giants - coming off a trophyless 2023-24 campaign - next take on Athletic Club at home in the league on Saturday (August 24). Barca were unbeaten in two La Liga meetings with Atletico last season.
In the October clash at home, the Blaugrana prevailed by a solitary goal, with Marc Giui scoring the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time. In the reverse fixture five months later at San Mames, though, the two sides produced a goalless stalemate.
It's pertinent to note that the La Liga giants lost 4-2 at Athletic Club after extra time in the Copa del Rey quarter-final despite leading 2-1 in the first half. Having lost in the Supercopa final to Real Madrid and the UEFA Champions League quarter-final to PSG, they eventually ended the campaign with a trophy.