Firm 'no' from Manchester City when Barcelona asked about Ferran Torres

A lot has been said about the various deals discussed by Barcelona and Manchester City in the summer. The good relationship between the two clubs led to names such as Laporte, Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Sergi Roberto and Griezmann being put on the table for possible swap deals. However, one name had not come out: Ferran Torres. Barça tried to sign the ex-Valencia forward, but City quickly closed the door.

Torres had a decent first season in England (13 goals, three assists), although he didn't always play regularly. In the Champions League, he scored four goals, but it wasn't until the end of the season that he really delivered -- or got the chance to -- in the Premier League, scoring five goals in his last six games.

Given he had been in and out of the team, Barça thought he may be available. Despite their financial problems, they looked at various formulas to be able to sign Ferran, such as a loan with an obligatory buy option. However, the reality is they were never close to convincing City. Torres' performances at Euro 2020 made it even more difficult and, without Harry Kane, Pep Guardiola sees him in a more central role.

Barça, therefore, quickly assumed it would be impossible to sign Torres, who has a contract until 2025.