According to a recent report by Corriere dello Sport (translated by Sport Witness), Liverpool are in the race to acquire the services of Ferran Torres and could potentially sign him for free when his contract at Valencia runs out at the end of next season. However, the same source has claimed that Barcelona are leading the chase with the Reds also facing stiff competition from Juventus, Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in pursuit of the La Liga sensation, whose current deal contains a massive €100m release clause.
It is believed any potential suitors willing to match that figure should have a good chance of convincing Valencia to sell their prized asset this summer as they fear losing him for nothing in the summer 0f 2021 (via Corriere dello Sport).
Torres’ Impressive Form In The Spanish Top-Flight
The La Liga sensation has enjoyed a decent run of form at the Mestalla Stadium this season. He has been responsible for putting in several outstanding performances for the Spanish side so far. Torres has registered six goals and seven assists in 35 matches for Albert Celades’ team this term on all fronts. His stats prove that he is gradually transforming himself into a world-class wide player and so Liverpool will do well to fend off competition and land him in the future.
The Foios-born prospect has averaged 1.2 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.8 dribbles in every 90 minutes of football in the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored) which highlights the fact that he has found some consistency with his performances this season.
However, with just over a year left to run in his contract, Valencia could be desperate to move him on this summer. Marca had reported earlier this season that the Spanish giants need to generate enough money via player sales so that they can balance their books before June 30. Maybe, that could leave the door open for the Reds to orchestrate a move for Torres in the off-season.
What Will The Spanish Starlet Bring To Anfield?
The 20-year-old can use his quickness and agility to shrug off his marker and get to the by-line. He usually operates down the right flank but can also fill in as a left-winger if needed. At such a young age, the Spanish whizkid has earned a lot of experience of playing at the highest level and also improved his productivity going forward this season.
Is Torres The Right Fit For The Reds?
However, he is still far from a finished product and will need time to fulfil his true potential. Hence, Liverpool would need to be patient with him if they are the reap the dividends of acquiring him in the long-run. Klopp will be the perfect manager to oversee his development as he has built a reputation for promoting young players to his first-team since arriving at Anfield back in 2015.
Torres will be an upgrade over Xherdan Shaqiri and could serve as a decent back-up for Mohamed Salah at Merseyside. Klopp could also use him with Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino when opting to set-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. All in all, the Spaniard will be an excellent fit for the reigning European champions and their long-term ambitions as a football club.
