For a player hyped not so long ago as the ‘next Pedri’, Pablo Torre has seen few minutes at Barcelona this season.
Part of the reason, undoubtedly, is the abundance of resources Xavi Hernandez has at his disposal, including Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie.
The youngster has been regularly involved with the first team in training but is said to be unhappy with his lack of playing time. Unsurprisingly, his situation has sparked rumours of a possible departure.
According to reports from Santi Ovalle, the idea at Barcelona is for Torre to continue at the club for the second half of the season.
The Catalans’ plan was never to include the youngster in the first team directly, and he was even registered as a player in the B team ahead of the season. Yet, Torre has been stubborn about his displeasure in representing the subordinate side as he saw it as a step-down.
Given the rich quantity and quality of players competing with him for a starting spot at Barcelona, it seems unlikely that Torre will make his awaited breakthrough anytime soon.
Staying at the club for six more months, however, could help him improve his level and put forth a stronger case.
The 19-year-old has only made one appearance off the bench under Xavi in La Liga this season but has featured relatively more in the UEFA Champions League.
He even scored a late goal in Barcelona’s 4-2 rout of Viktoria Plzen in the final matchday of the group stages before heading off injured minutes later.
Torre is one of Spain’s highest-rated young prospects and joined Barcelona less than a year ago from Racing Santander. Needless to say, the Blaugranas will not want to lose the teenager so early in his development.