Ferran Torres: the 'wonder kid' that escaped Barcelona on two occasions
Barça missed the chance to sign him in 2017 and again this past summer
Ferran Torres is the new star of Spanish football. At 20 years of age, he's started the season in great form with Manchester City and Spain. His hat-trick against Germany on Tuesday highlighted his progression and he's one of the top candidates for the 2020 Golden Boy award, given to the best player under 21 in the world. Ferran is already a star and Barça missed a golden opportunity to sign him.
Barça had two chances to get him on board. The first was in 2017 when he could have left Valencia for eight million euros. At the time he was also wanted by Real Madrid but he decided to continue his development with Los Che.
Second chance
The second chance was this summer. This time, Torres had decided to leave Mestalla due to the instability at the club. His contract was due to expire in 2021 and Valencia had no choice but to sell. They needed the money to balance the books due to the coronavirus crisis and couldn't afford to risk losing him for free. This time, though, neither Barça nor Madrid pushed for Torres due to their own financial issues and Torres set his sights on the Premier League.
Manchester City and Manchester United were keen on the player and City won the battle. The sporting offer and the financial offer sold the club to the Spanish winger. Pep Guardiola called him personally to convince him to join him in England. In addition, Valencia were able to bring in 35 million euros: 23 million initially with 12 million more in possible add-ons. It was a great opportunity which City jumped on given Torres' actual market value is much higher. But due to his contract situation, he was available for cheap.
Lucho to Pep
Torres signed a deal with City until 2025 and Luis Enrique congratulated to Guardiola for the signing. The Spain boss has followed Torres' career closely, both with Valencia and Spain's youth teams.
Lucho had no doubts in bringing him into the Spain squad. Ferran is one of the pillars of the revolution under the former Barcelona coach and his form has been spectacular. Four goals in seven games, with a historic hat-trick against Germany. No player since Michael Owen in 2001 had been capable of scoring a treble against the Germans.
The youngster now returns to City to continue learning under Guardiola, who has used him through the middle and wide this season. He has already scored four times for the Premier League club, three in the Champions League and one in the League Cup.
Joaquín and Cristiano Ronaldo
With Spain, Ferran has consolidated his place on the right wing. His profile of the modern footballer -- strong, quick and with a good shot -- delighted Luis Enrique. He can also play on the left but prefers the right. Joaquin Sanchez is one of his references due to his similar style in the early years of his career, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo. Powerful, versatile players with a lot of ambition. Characteristics shared by Torres who has now made his first big mark on the international scene.
