The incredible reason why Barcelona are selling Ferran Torres

14 Jul 2026 06:32 BST | 4 min read

Ferran Torres, Barcelona, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Barcelona are looking to offload Ferran Torres this summer, and the motivation behind it is pretty unusual.

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The Spain international has been a regular for the Blaugrana since joining from Man City in an initial €55 million deal in 2022. Originally a winger, Torres has frequently had to deputise as a striker.

He has scored a respectable 65 goals in 207 appearances for Barcelona, but supporters have often voiced their frustration at the club's reliance on the 26-year-old. He is simply not a natural No.9, and that is reflected in how he plays.

Current ETV

Ferran Torres

F (C)

Barcelona

Ferran Torres

F (C)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€38M - €46.5M

Torres isn't the most clinical in front of goal, nor does he look particularly well-suited to the very technical football that Barcelona are historically known for. As a result, he has often felt like an outsider.

Indeed, it is unsurprising that he is linked with a move away from Barcelona virtually every year. Ironically, this is the one summer where his position actually looked secure after the departure of Robert Lewandowski, yet a transfer is now more likely than ever.

Why Barcelona want to sell Torres

Barcelona currently do not have a traditional senior centre-forward at the club, although new signing Anthony Gordon can play as a No.9. Despite this lack of options, they are looking to get rid of Torres.

Recent reports have suggested that the Spanish forward already has an agreement on personal terms in place with PSG. However, this deal is not close to being finalised just yet because it is contingent on sales by the Ligue 1 giants.

Barcelona are ready to listen to offers for the 26-year-old, and the reason for this is quite strange. Of course, they need to offset their significant spending on Gordon and other signings with outgoings, but that is not the only motivation.

Torres' current contract expires next year, and there is so far no agreement on a possible extension. According to The Athletic, Barcelona have a good reason not to rush a renewal.

When the Catalans signed Torres from City, a clause was included in the deal that entitles the Premier League club to a sizeable bonus payment in the event of the forward signing a new contract with Barcelona.

So, if the LaLiga champions were to agree terms with Torres on an extension, they would have to pay City a further €8m for a deal that has already cost them €65m after previously triggering €10m in add-ons.

Naturally, they are trying to avoid this by selling Torres at the last possible opportunity. However, it is worth noting that sources at Barcelona and those close to the player insist that no final decision has been made.

All options remain open, including Torres staying and potentially signing a contract extension. Ideally, though, Barcelona director Deco would prefer not having to pay City the €8m they would be owed in case of a renewal.

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