FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres can cut a frustrating figure on the field at times, but that does not take away the fact that he has scored crucial goals for the team across all competitions throughout the season.
Playing as a near equal to Robert Lewandowski in terms of fighting for a starting spot this season, the Spaniard has scored 19 goals, equalling his goalscoring figures from last season and is arguably at a very high point in his career.
The Catalans, however, have hesitated in issuing a renewal offer, which raises questions about whether he is in their long-term plans.
A bargaining chip?
As reported by AS, Torres’ situation at Barcelona is more complicated than meets the eye.
The Spanish outlet brings to light that the 26-year-old forward was a signing made by Mateu Alemany when he was still at the club, and that he has never been highly valued by the current sporting director, Deco.
Ferran Torres’ future remains uncertain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Despite his impressive numbers, Deco does not see Ferran as a long-term asset. In a way, he is not seen as one of the sporting director’s ‘own.’
As such, there is a good chance that the former Valencia star is used as a bargaining chip by the board to secure a big signing in the summer.
Given that Alemany is now at Atletico Madrid, he could well be used in a player-exchange deal with Los Rojiblancos, possibly for Julian Alvarez.
Torres, for his part, is happy at Barcelona and does not consider a departure. If Hansi Flick and Co. make it clear that a new No. 9 arriving will seriously impair his minutes, however, there may be a change of heart.
After all, Robert Lewandowski’s future remains in doubt, and Torres is currently the best-placed player in the squad to replace him.
