According to COPE, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have enquired about Pau Torres. The Villarreal defender has attracted the interest of several clubs across Europe following an impressive season. He is, therefore, included in Barca’s list of candidates, alongside Manchester City star Eric Garcia, as they look to bolster their defensive unit this summer.
Do Barcelona Need A New Centre-Back?
It hasn’t been the best of seasons for FC Barcelona, who saw their defensive record bettered by clubs like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Although the Blaugrana were always an attacking team, it is time they tend towards their defensive unit.
Gerard Pique is among the longest-serving players in the current team and has been an ever-present figure in the backline. However, at the age of 33, the Spaniard is nearing the final phase of his career. He has also lacked the discipline in his game at times, especially in big matches.
Meanwhile, Samuel Umtiti is facing an uncertain future at the club while the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo and Ronald Araujo are yet to make their breakthroughs in the first-team, leaving Clement Lenglet as the only reliable long-term option at centre-back.
Barcelona, therefore, must sign at least one quality CB this summer if they are to compete with the likes of Atletico and Real Madrid next season. It is also needless to point out that the Catalans must find a long-term replacement for Pique as they look to undergo a smooth transitional phase.
Is Pau Torres The Right Man?
Much like Barcelona, Villarreal are also an attacking team, that puts very low emphasis on defending. Yet, they have one of La Liga’s most promising centre-backs in the shape of Torres.
A product of Villarreal youth academy, the 23-year-old became a key component in former manager Javi Calleja’s setup, making 34 league appearances. He built a strong defensive partnership alongside Raul Albiol, notably averaging 4.4 clearances per game while attaining a pass completion rate of 85%.
Torres’ brilliant passing range and ability to play the ball out from the back fits Barcelona’s technical criteria and their style of play that revolves around the idea of possession-based football. The Spaniard, in that regard, should fit in nicely and potentially follow the footsteps of Lenglet, who had moved from Sevilla to find success at Barcelona.
Having said that, Villarreal have no wish to offload Torres this summer, especially following the appointment for former Arsenal manager, Unai Emery. The defender also has a €50 million release clause, although that is fairly reasonable given the quality of the player.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
