Manchester City do not wish to sell forward Ferran Torres to Barcelona despite the player’s wishes, but Barca’s financial problems could present the Premier League champions with unique transfer opportunities
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Manchester City forward Ferran Torres has been linked with a January transfer switch to Barcelona.
According to reports, Barca have prioritised the signing of the Spain international and the player wants a move to the Camp Nou.
There are multiple difficulties with such a deal, such as City’s reluctance to sell one of their most promising players coupled with the Catalan club’s well-documented financial problems.
The valuation of Torres makes the move prohibitive but his apparent desire to complete a move may see City devise a method to do a deal, by demanding at least one Barca star in return.
There are good relations between the clubs at boardroom level, with Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia moving directly to Barca at the end of their City contract.
Here are three players at the Blaugrana who City could acquire in a swap deal for Torres.
Frenkie de Jong
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Getty Images)
City have already been linked with a move for the Dutch midfielder, whom they attempted to sign from Ajax in 2019 – but he had his heart set on a move to Barca.
De Jong admitted his regret in not joining the Premier League after completing his move to the Camp Nou, lamenting that there had been a power switch from Spanish football to the English top-flight in recent times.
De Jong said: “I used to think that La Liga was the strongest football league in the world. You could see their dominance in European Cup competitions.
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“The Spanish clubs always progressed a long way and often grabbed the main trophies, the Champions League and Europa League
“But the Premier League has gained power over the last few years.
“When it comes to pure skills, La Liga is better. But because of the sheer intensity, the English competition is at a slightly higher level.”
De Jong would be ideal for City’s style; primarily a central midfielder who is also capable of dropping into defence when required.
Known for his vision, passing, dribbling, technique, along with strong defensive abilities and attacking prowess, there is little surprise he’ll be on Pep Guardiola’s radar.
Pedri
Fresh from romping home to the 2021 Golden Boy award, Pedri is a superstar in the making.
The midfield maestro played a remarkable 72 games for club and country last year, including his stunning Euro 2020 semi-final performance against Italy, where he did not misplace a pass throughout the 90 minutes.
That has led to burnout and muscle fatigue which is kicking in this season, so Pedri’s stock may have slightly dipped – but do not expect that to last long.
If a club manages his minutes and progress sensibly – as Barca have not to date – then expect him to fully realise his potential.
Initially a wide midfielder, Pedri combines his supreme passing ability with his positional sense of finding space – a dream player for Guardiola.
Ansu Fati
Another teenage Barca star, Ansu Fati is embracing being Lionel Messi’s successor at Barcelona – even if he is some way from the Argentine’s level yet.
He has signed a long-term contract through until 2027, but his market value may see the club cash-in if their financial situation does not improve.
He has netted 17 goals in 51 appearances for the Blaugrana and spent 10 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, which required multiple surgical procedures.
His versatility across a front three would make him an ideal fit for City’s system, and what better coach to improve and fulfil his talents than Guardiola.
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