Recent reports from The Goal state that Manchester United are ready to make a fresh move to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres in the upcoming transfer window as the club looks set to add to its defensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The report further states that Erik Ten Hag is prioritising a move for a new centre-back, and the Spaniard might as well be his first signing as the United boss. Reports elsewhere claim that a deal is quite close to being done.
With two years left on his present contract at the Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal are likely to demand a fee in the region of £50m for the star.
What Will The Spanish Defensive Ace Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
Having come through the ranks at Villarreal FC, the 25-year-old centre-half established himself as a key figure in the team last season after returning from an initial breakthrough loan at Malaga in the Spanish second tier in 18/19.
This term, the Spanish international managed to put up some impressive numbers on the board – averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, and 0.6 blocks per 90 minutes in the La Liga (calculated over 27 appearances). Moreover, with 4.6 long balls played per game with an overall pass accuracy of 86%, he has been one of the standout performers on his side this term. These numbers not only underline his capabilities of holding on to the ball when needed but also how he can pick up the right man on the other side of the pitch to start counter-attacks effortlessly.
Standing at 1.91m, Torres has won almost half of his aerial duels while making 3.1 clearances per game, thereby asserting his dominance in and around the 18-yard-box.
The Right Choice For The Red Devils?
Given the present circumstances, signing a quality centre-back should be the board’s first priority once the summer transfer window opens. It’s beyond any doubt that the Red Devils need to upgrade their defensive options to try and solve their issues at the back – and Pau Torres fits the bill perfectly. His move to the Old Trafford will mean that he instantly competes with Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane for a position in the starting eleven.
At 25, Torres will only get better with each season, so it won’t be a complete surprise if United break the bank to secure his signature.
(Stats from WhoScored)
