As PSG close in on the signing of FC Barcelona forward, Ferran Torres, we take a detailed look at just how he could fit into the team at the Parc Des Princes.
Yesterday, we got the “Here we go” regarding the transfer of Barcelona and Spain national team forward Ferran Torres to PSG, for a reported fee of around 50 million Euros.
So, let’s take a look at how the 26-year old will fit in the French capital.
As has been reported several times in the French media, it seems that Torres is a direct replacement for Goncalo Ramos, who departed for Italian side AC Milan. Maghnes Akliouche is the Kang-in Lee replacement, and if Bradley Barcola leaves, Mika Godts would likely be the like for like replacement.
The best thing about the Spaniard is, aside from being a replacement for Ramos, he can also cover both wings, as he has done several times in his career. In fact, when he started his professional life, he was more of a winger than a striker, particularly off the right hand side.
At the 2022 World Cup, under PSG manager Luis Enrique, Torres played in all four of Spain’s games, starting three of those. In each and every game, he played off the right hand side, so whilst there are different players and profiles at PSG, that is something worth baring in mind.
We know that Ousmane Dembele has to have his minutes managed, so the best chance for Torres to get regular minutes is as a striker in domestic games, to allow the Ballon D’or winner to rest.
But there could be other ways for him to play. Whilst not injury prone like Dembele, it is important that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to be managed well too. He only started 16 Ligue 1 games last season, so if for example Godts signs and understandably struggles to adapt at a young age, perhaps we could see Torres off the left.
Ultimately, he is used to playing the squad player role from his time at Barcelona, and even with Spain in recent times. So we know that he is not someone who has to consistently start to be at his best. He is more than capable of starting here and there and doing well, as well as coming off the bench to make an impact.
This is certainly a very smart signing. Having a player capable of playing in all three attacking positions, as well as already knowing what the manager is like, feels a very sensible move all round. Very exciting to see how he does, as he approaches his prime years.
