On Tuesday, Barcelona officially completed the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City for €55 million to the excitement of Barcelona fans the world over.
Torres, 21, has not featured for Manchester City since September after suffering a foot injury playing for Spain during the international break, but not before scoring two goals and providing one assist in the Premier League, and scoring three goals in seven appearances in all competitions for the Citizens.
In total, the right-winger scored 16 goals and provided four assists in 43 games for City across all competitions in the 16 months he spent at the Etihad.
The right-winger is the second signing of the Xavi Hernandez dispensation after Dani Alves, signing until 2027. His release clause is set at €1 billion, which is the same amount that Barcelona has slapped on all their promising youngsters who are attracting the interests of many clubs in Europe.
Torres, who has resumed training with his new teammates, looks set to make his debut for the Blaugrana in the Copa del Rey against Linares Deportivo on Jan. 5. His LaLiga debut will come a little later.
Barcelona will present Torres to the club’s fans on Monday 3 January after which the club’s facilities will be open for the fans to witness the 21-year-old train with his new teammates.
What can Ferran Torres bring to Camp Nou?
The versatile attacker who is deployed mostly as a right-winger but can play expertly as a left-winger, a central striker and as a second striker is the first of Xavi’s signings which he intends to use to change the club’s fortunes in front of goal.
Torres is also a proven LaLiga veteran, already having made 71 LaLiga appearances and a total of 140 senior club appearances at the young age of 21. However, it was under the tutelage of Barcelona legend and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola that he became a feared goalscorer, as he was deployed more often in the central striker role.
Torres is especially adept at shooting. He has an eye for a shot, being able to turn any chance into a shooting opportunity. His accuracy is also frightening too as many of his shots hit the target. But for great goalkeeping and defending from most of his opponents, the right-winger will have more than his current career total of 25 senior goals.
Ferran Torres himself spoke of what he will bring to Camp Nou after his signing was confirmed to the media. “Versatility, as I think I can play any of the three positions up front, which is important if there are injuries or whatever,” he said.
“I intend to help the team score goals, provide assists and defend.”
Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain had great words to say about the youngster’s short stint at the Etihad: “Ferran should be proud of what he has achieved here at Manchester City,” he said.
“Last season was his first time in a new country, but he adapted well. He always gave 100%, worked hard for the team and scored goals which helped us win trophies.
“Injury unfortunately prevented him from playing more games this season, but Ferran is a player we have all enjoyed working with and we wish him all the best at Barcelona and for the rest of his career.”
Ferran Torres signing is a declaration of Barcelona’s intent
Barcelona’s announcement video of Ferran Torres’ signing showed Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Eric Garcia, Nico and Gavi, with Torres rounding up the lot. This shows that Xavi and Joan Laporta are looking to build a team of the future after having a squad full of players over the age of 30.
The club knows they cannot afford another shaky season with their legacy on the line and debts piling up. Xavi made it known from the day of his appointment that the club had to begin again and so far, steps have been taken in that direction.
Ferran Torres’ arrival also means that Barcelona have to sell, and fast. Quite a few players are already on the market, and Barcelona fans can be looking forward to a totally new squad by this time next year