With the sale of Ferran Torres to Barcelona, Manchester City appear to have completed their first piece of business of the January transfer window.
According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-transfer old’s from City to the Spanish giants is a ‘done deal’ that will be completed in the ‘coming hours.’
The announcement comes only days after Romano tweeted that Torres and Barcelona had reached an agreement on personal matters, but that a sum had not to be determined.
This is no longer the case, with the Spanish international likely to join Xavi’s side for an initial fee of €55 million plus a further €10 million in add-ons.
Torres has only made seven appearances for City in all competitions this season, due to a foot injury he sustained while on international duty with Spain in October. The 21-year-old has three goals and one assist to his credit.
A deal to the Catalan club could be finalized shortly, but he won’t be allowed to join them until the transfer market opens on January 3rd.
The move to the 26-time La Liga champions will be more than just a desire to play for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. With City’s present depth in the forward positions, Torres’ minutes could be limited upon his return from injury, forcing him to seek playing time elsewhere.
Xavi’s team is now seventh in Spain’s first flight, two points behind the top four. In addition, they have qualified for the Europa League for the first time in 17 years after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and Benfica.