One player that has been attracting headlines this season is Valencia CF talent, Ferran Torres. Several top clubs have been reportedly been chasing the 20-year-old talent, including Manchester United. The Red Devils are looking to bring Torres to Old Trafford this summer as an alternative target to Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
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The Spaniard has emerged as a star this season, despite Valencia’s poor season. Los Murcielagos have struggled to retain their status as Spain’s best club behind the three giants – FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Valencia currently sit uncomfortably in 7th place. For the past few seasons, Torres has been unable to break through into the first team, with Gonçalo Guedes proving to be a key player for the coastal club. However, Guedes has picked up quite a few injuries during the 2019/20 season. This has allowed Torres to play a regular role in Abert Celades’ side. The right-winger has managed to rack up 13 goal contributions in all competitions.
Torres is a vital cog in Valencia’s build-up play. He plays exquisite passes that break opposition defensive lines. These passes don’t always translate into assists, but they are still essential for the team’s ball progression. Torres is rapid. He uses his pace to beat the opposition’s full-backs and his skilful dribbling puts defenders in a daze.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested in improving the right-winger position which Daniel James currently operates. James has only contributed to goals 10 times in all competitions for United this season. Although Sancho is the number one target, United have allegedly approached Torres’ representatives in hope that they can take him from Estadio Mestalla to the Theatre of Dreams.
Torres’ contract is set to expire in next year
Torres’ contract at Valencia is set to expire in 2021 and as a result some of Europe’s top clubs are reportedly scrambling to secure his signature. Reportedly, the Valencia academy graduate has turned rejected the offer of a new five-year deal which has alerted a plethora of clubs. Despite Torres’ release clause being a hefty €120million, his contract situation has prompted the South-Eastern club to be willing to accept a lower price in the hope it sparks a bidding war between the interested sides.
“For young people, La Liga is the best league there is,” he told a Spanish media outlet, “It is helping me a lot and I am learning all the time.
“I think I have settled in Valencia and in the division.
“Things are going well for me even though the team is on a bad streak, although we think we are going to turn it around.”
These comments suggest that Torres is settled at Valencia and not too interested in a move away from the La Liga club. Liverpool are another side that are linked with signing Torres.
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A month ago, former Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomez claimed that Torres is able to succeed at an elite club like Liverpool. “He’s skilful, he’s great one-on-one, he’s quick and he even scores goals,’ he said, “He also plays on the inside, takes advantage of spaces and can be part of a team that plays on the counter-attack or a dominant team in terms of possession.
“He can perform well in any team and in any league. In England too, of course, at Liverpool or any other team. ‘Jurgen Klopp’s system fits him and he is mentally very strong to cope with pressure and demands.”
Whether Torres leaves to join Manchester United, Liverpool or even stays at Valencia, the club he ends up playing his football next season will have a potential Ballon d’Or winner on their hands.
