Barcelona Accelerate Ferran Torres Deal After Lewandowski Exit

Barcelona have accelerated contract negotiations with forward Ferran Torres, abandoning the original plan to wait until September or October. Torres, who arrived from Manchester City, is now the focus of the renewed talks. Torres enters the final year of his current deal, which runs to June 2027. The club is considering an extension of three to four seasons, with terms to be settled with his agent Hector Peris. The strategy echoes the handling of Frenkie de Jong’s contract, which was renewed in October 2025 after a similar waiting period. Under coach Hansi Flick, Torres has moved from right wing to centre‑forward. He recorded 21 goals and three assists in 49 matches, covering 2,692 minutes last season. Robert Lewandowski’s departure altered Barcelona’s transfer strategy, prompting the decision to keep Torres. The club also declined to trigger the purchase option for Marcus Rashford. Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez stalled as Atletico Madrid refuse to sell the Argentine, citing a €500 million release clause. Barcelona have indicated they will not exceed €120 million for a replacement. With Rashford expected to return to Manchester United, extending Torres provides Barcelona with a ready striker. Photo by Alex Caparros and Denis Doyle document the developments.