According to BBC Sport, Ferran Torres has cast significant doubt over his Barcelona future after making candid remarks during a recent promotional tour in the United States, just days after scoring the extra-time winner that sealed Spain’s second World Cup triumph.
The 26-year-old forward, who is under contract with Barcelona until June 2027, used a series of television appearances for his sportswear sponsor to openly discuss his future, increasing the pressure on the Catalan club.
“I have a contract with Barcelona but, in football, you never know,” Torres said. “We are waiting to make the right decision. Right now, all I know is that I have to be in training for Barcelona on 12 August. Let’s see what happens.”
Torres issues public challenge to Barcelona
BBC Sport reports that Torres also challenged Barcelona to demonstrate their commitment to keeping him. Asked what the club needed to do to convince him to stay, he replied: “Show me they want me, come to negotiate.”
Read also: Mark Clattenburg names five most annoying players he officiated
If no extension is agreed, Torres will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January. Barcelona are understood to be keen to renew his contract, although any new deal is expected to remain within the club’s current wage structure as they continue to manage Financial Fair Play constraints.
Financial concerns complicate negotiations
According to The Athletic, Barcelona have delayed formal contract talks until September because extending Torres’ deal would reportedly trigger an €8 million (£6.8m; $9.1m) payment to Manchester City, who sold the Spain international to the Catalan club in January 2022 for an initial €55 million plus add-ons.
The Athletic adds that Barcelona would be willing to sell Torres this summer to avoid the additional payment, although no formal offers have yet been received.
Despite not being a regular starter under Hansi Flick last season, Torres still contributed 21 goals and three assists in 49 appearances. His potential departure would leave Barcelona short of experienced central attacking options following Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez still viewed as an uncertain long-term target.
Read also: Donald Trump's golf wins met with familiar accusations of cheating
Paris Saint-Germain, managed by former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Torres’ situation. The forward acknowledged the speculation, saying: “Every time these teams want you it’s a good thing. You never know because in football everything can change in one minute, so I have to be ready for everything.”
As Barcelona prepare to resume training on August 12, BBC Sport reports that the club must now balance Torres’ contract demands with its financial limitations and the need to retain an experienced striker.
Read also: Luis Figo demands Infantino's resignation amid privatization and peace prize controversies
