Barcelona have identified Aston Villa defender Pau Torres as a priority target for next summer, with sources confirming the Spanish international would be open to a return to La Liga.
Understanding is that the Catalan club have made signing a left-footed centre-back their main defensive objective following Iñigo Martínez's departure to Al-Nassr earlier this year.
Torres receptive to Barcelona approach
Sources close to the situation have indicated to ESPN that Torres, whose contract at Villa Park runs until 2028, would listen to a serious offer from Barcelona. The 28-year-old has never played for a club outside Spain before joining Villa from Villarreal for £33 million in 2023.
Villa's strong negotiating position is clear: Torres remains a key figure in Unai Emery's defensive setup and the club have no pressure to sell. However, the player's apparent willingness to consider a move shifts the dynamic.
Villa's stance
Emery values Torres highly. The Spanish defender has made 10 Premier League starts this season when fit and has been instrumental in Villa's improved recent form. A minor knock currently has him sidelined, but he is expected to return in the coming weeks.
Barcelona's financial constraints are well-documented. Any deal would likely require creative structuring – installment payments, sell-on clauses, or player exchanges. Villa are under no obligation to accommodate such terms.
Competition for Torres
Torres is not Barcelona's only target. Sources have confirmed Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck is also on the club's shortlist. The Germany international's contract expires in 2027, potentially making him a more affordable alternative if he does not extend.
For now, Villa hold all the cards. But Barcelona's interest is concrete, and Torres's openness to discussions means this story will develop through the winter months.
More to follow.
