6 reasons why the signing of Ferran Torres makes sense for Barcelona

#4 Balancing finances and football

Barcelona’s financial woes are no secret, however, Torres’s transfer makes fiscal sense as well. They can spend in January after recently receiving sizeable investment via a bank loan. Sergio Aguero’s retirement has also freed up some space in the Blaugrana’s wage books. This has made it possible for management to adhere to the La Liga salary cap. Torres has also taken a wage reduction to join the club.

Barcelona will pay an initial £46.3 million (€55 million) plus a further £8.4 million (€10 million) in add-ons for the forward. The €55 million is reported to be paid in four installments, and the first installment is not due till the following summer. Some £5.9 million (€7 million) of those add-ons are said to be more or less guaranteed.

The variables will have to be paid if Barcelona wins the Champions League and Torres plays 70% of the games. Some additional add-ons will need to be paid if Torres wins the Ballon d'Or or the Golden Boot and if Barcelona sells Torres for more than €100 million.

Barcelona will now focus on reworking existing contracts or offloading players from its first-team squad. The Catalan giants are looking to appease La Liga's financial fair play rules. Hence, the deal looks good for Barcelona while balancing the football and financial aspects.

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#5 Torres's Spanish connection

Torres has been a key component of Luis Enrique's young attacking line. The Spaniard has scored some memorable goals for his country. Torres scored the crucial third goal of the Euro 2020 round of 16 match against Croatia, resulting in a 5–3 victory. Torres scored both goals in Spain's 2–1 away win over reigning European Champions Italy in the semi-finals of the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.

Torres in action for Spain against Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

He has also formed partnerships with his Barcelona teammates Ansu Fati and Gavi for La Roja. This can be beneficial for both Barcelona and Spain.

#6 One for the future

Torres is a talented player with lots of potential. His best years are still ahead of him. He has learned a lot and gained a vast pool of experience working under Guardiola and Luis Enrique. Under Xavi, he is bound to hone his skills more.

Barcelona’s transfer activity in the past few years have lacked proper planning. They have overpaid and impulsively bought players like Philippe Coutinho and Dembele, who have struggled to find a footing at Nou Camp. Barcelona’s approach must change under the regime of new president Joan Laporta. As per reports, Xavi has a clear plan for the player to fit his system of play. Torres ticks all of the right boxes and could become an integral part of the Barcelona rebuild under Xavi.