Ferran Torres has claimed that it was a ‘no-brainer’ for him to decide to join Barcelona from Manchester City in the January window.
Speaking in an interview in Spain (h/t Manchester Evening News via Sports Illustrated), Ferran Torres has opened up on his decision to leave Manchester City for Barcelona during the January transfer window.
Torres had signed for Manchester City in the summer of 2020 from Valencia in a deal worth £20.7 million and had enjoyed a decent 18-month spell at the Etihad Stadium. The 22-year-old had managed to score 16 goals and assist four more from 43 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and had won the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup in his debut season.
Despite being an important player in the scheme of things and standing a greater chance of winning trophies at Manchester City, Torres opted to leave for Barcelona who are undergoing a major rebuild under Xavi Hernandez.
However, the Spanish international has now explained his decision to move to Camp Nou in January, stating that he wanted to play more regularly.
“I feel good. It’s a little hard to move clubs in January, but Manchester City let me leave easily”, Torres said.”[City] were winning everything, but when you don’t have the opportunities you want, you consider other options. Xavi wanted me, and it was a no-brainer.”
Since arriving in Catalonia, Torres has been pretty much a permanent fixture in the starting XI for Barcelona. The 22-year-old forward has made 22 appearances in all competitions, producing a return of seven goals and six assists. However, he has been guilty of spurning several good chances due to his scratchy finishing.
Nevertheless, Torres has looked like a good fit in Xavi’s setup since his January move in a deal worth an initial fee of £46.7 million. At 22, he still has his best years ahead of him and can be a quality signing for the Catalan outfit should he build on the promise he has shown since joining them in the winter window earlier this year.
Barcelona are currently second in La Liga and look set to finish in the top four after their 2-1 win over RCD Mallorca this past weekend.