Xavi plans to count on misfiring Barcelona attacker for next season

It is indeed difficult to search for loose links in a side that recently won the domestic league with a ten-point lead. However, the Barcelona offices are pressed to enable player sales in the coming transfer window, and it is imperative that such links be identified.

One name that stands out as a minor contributor across the past season is Ferran Torres. The Spanish international has not had the desired impact since signing for the Catalans and was underwhelming throughout the 2022/23 season to say the least.

The former Manchester City star was, thus, one of the first Blaugrana names to be linked with a departure come June. However, that no longer appears to be the case.

According to reports from SPORT, Torres will remain a Barcelona player next season. Xavi Hernandez took the decision after a recent face-to-face discussion with the winger.

The Spanish tactician was one of the major reasons behind Barcelona’s prioritization of Ferran Torres in the 2021/22 winter transfer window. He only sees it as fair to give the youngster another chance to succeed before pulling the plug on his career at the club.

The 23-year-old made only 14 starts for Barcelona in La Liga last season and averaged 42 minutes over his 33 league appearances. In that duration, he scored four goals, provided two assists, and created eight big chances for Xavi Hernandez’s side.

Barcelona could well lose Ansu Fati this summer, for they are under pressure to sell players. In addition, rumours around Raphinha’s future refuse to go away either.

In such a situation, Torres would emerge as the direct backup for Ousmane Dembele on the right wing and will get the centre stage more often to prove his worth. Needless to say, the 2023/24 campaign will be the youngster’s final chance to make an impression at the club.

Torres, for his part, has never considered leaving Barcelona and will now aim to make a strong impression during the pre-season so that he can earn a regular spot in Xavi’s side.