Just a little over a year ago, Barcelona splashed €55 million to secure the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City. The 22-year-old was brought in to help the team get back on track after a difficult start to the season.
And, Torres along with the fellow winter arrival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, made an impact, helping Barça finish second in La Liga.
However, things have gotten bad for the Spanish international this time out. With Barcelona signing Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in the summer coupled with Ansu Fati’s recovery from injury, Torres has slipped down the pecking order at the club.
So much so that, SPORT is now reporting that Torres is the fifth-choice attacker in Xavi Hernandez’s plans at Barcelona.
This is based on the fact that the former Valencia forward has been overlooked in games by the manager of late, with the latest such occurrence happening in the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.
Given the magnitude of the game, it is understandable that Xavi opted to start with Ousmane Dembele, Lewandowski and Gavi as part of his attacking line.
Meanwhile, Torres, who was not involved over the weekend against Getafe due to his suspension in La Liga, was on the bench.
Come second half, Xavi opted to bring on both Raphinha and Ansu Fati, ahead of Torres even though the two had played some minutes over the weekend and the latter was well-rested.
Ultimately, the former Manchester City man did not get any minutes against the Basque club last night, which is indicative that he is now behind Lewandowski, Dembele, Raphinha, and Fati when it comes to the pecking order in attack at Camp Nou.
It is clear that Torres is going through a low period in his career, but Xavi continues to back him. However, reports have suggested that Barcelona could look to cash in on the 22-year-old in the summer should things do not improve and a big offer arrives for the Spaniard.