Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona.
ESPN had reported that Torres, who scored the winning goal as Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final last month, was given permission to miss Barcelona training as the deal progressed and he has now joined the European champions for a total package of around €55 million ($63.4m).
ESPN previously reported that the 26-year-old communicated to Barça last week his desire to join PSG, having already reached an agreement over personal terms. PSG boss Luis Enrique previously coached Torres when he was in charge of the Spanish national team.
Barcelona were prepared to sanction Torres’ exit this summer, with his deal at Camp Nou due to expire next summer.
In a range of interviews since winning the World Cup, Torres has made it increasingly clear that he is keen to join PSG. He called on Barça to “show me some love” if they wanted to keep him, hinting that he had a dream destination in mind.
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PSG were in the market for a new attacker after the departure of Gonçalo Ramos to AC Milan this summer, while Randal Kolo Muani, who was on loan at Tottenham last season, has joined Juventus permanently.
Ousmane Dembélé has been used centrally, but Luis Enrique is keen to add other options to his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Torres started his career as a winger but has been used primarily as a No. 9 during the last two seasons at Barcelona.
He netted 21 times in 49 appearances last year having scored 19 goals in 45 matches in the previous campaign.
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The former Manchester City man’s exit is likely to speed up Barça’s pursuit of a striker after Robert Lewandowski joined the Chicago Fire.
ESPN have previously reported that Julián Álvarez is the club’s top target, although Atlético Madrid’s reluctance to lose the Argentine could force them to explore other options.
Information from Moises Llorens and Sam Marsden contributed to this report.
