Ferran Torres passes Barcelona medical ahead of €65m move

Nicholas Hughes

• 27 Dec 2021 06:09 CST
• 3 min read

Ferran Torres has reportedly passed a medical examination ahead of a big money transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City.

Xavi was believed to be very keen on bringing the attacker to the Camp Nou as his first signing as manager, and he seems to have got his man, though Barca have had to dig deep to pay €65 million in total.

Torres was seen leaving a hotel in Barcelona and said he is “very happy” to complete the transfer after just 18 months at City.

It seems a bizarre move from City’s point of view, given the fact that Torres started each of City’s first four Premier League matches and hasn’t played a single minute since due to a fractured foot sustained in October.

He managed two goals in that time, both coming in a 5-0 win over Arsenal, and added another in the League Cup as he seemingly took ownership of the centre forward position in Pep Guardiola’s side.

But the player had his heart set on a move to the Blaugrana as soon as the interest came in, and Guardiola has always insisted he would not stand in a player’s way if they want to move.

Barcelona will be hoping for an instant impact from Ferran Torres

Torres arrived at the Etihad Stadium on quite a cut-priced deal in the summer of 2020, joining from Valencia for €23m.

A productive first season saw him net seven Premier League goals in 24 games – 15 of which were starts – as he helped City reclaim the English league crown.

Once the move is completed and official, Torres will look to inspire a quick turnaround at Barcelona after a dismal campaign so far.

The Catalan giants are languishing in seventh place in La Liga, 18 points off Real Madrid in first place and were bundled out of their Champions League group for the first time in 20 years, scoring just twice in the entire group stage.

Barca have had a spate of injuries affect their attacking contingent, so Xavi will hope to get Torres fit and making an immediate impact to turn the ship around.