Newcastle United are preparing a bid to bring Barcelona winger Ferran Torres back to the Premier League, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Torres, who previously played for Manchester City before joining Barcelona in January 2021 for £47 million, has struggled to secure a regular starting position at the Spanish club. However, he’s still widely coveted across the continent coming off a campaign-winning Euro 2024 with Spain.
Last season, Torres made 29 La Liga appearances but started only 12 games for Barcelona. Despite his limited role under the previous management, new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick started Torres in the club’s season opener against Valencia, indicating he may have a chance to prove himself under the new regime. However, Newcastle’s interest suggests they believe he could be lured back to England following his tenuous past in the Catalan capital.
According to Sport’s report, Newcastle’s sporting director Paul Mitchell is actively searching for a winger, particularly due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Miguel Almiron. Almiron has attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia but he might not be so willing to leave Newcastle considering his rejection of an MLS offer a few days ago.
Torres has emerged as their primary target to replace Miggy or simply add another player to the right wing, and the Magpies are said to be preparing an offer in the region of £25.5 million to bring the 24-year-old Spaniard to St. James’ Park.
Sources close to the player, however, suggest that Torres prefers to remain at Barcelona and compete for opportunities under Flick rather than moving back to England, let alone for a mid-to-high tier club in comparison to Barcelona’s behemoth status.
In addition to their interest in Torres, Newcastle are still looking to strengthen their defense with the club recently making a fourth—and perhaps final before things get completely out of control—bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, edging closer to Palace’s £65 million valuation.
