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Torres joins PSG
Spain international Ferran Torres, who scored the only goal in last month’s World Cup final, signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona on Saturday on a contract until 2031.
“has signed for two-time Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona”
Reuters said PSG signed Spain's World Cup-winning forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona on a contract until 2031, with financial details not disclosed.
The Al Jazeera report put the fee at a reported 50 million euros ($58m), while Reuters said media reports pegged it at €50 million ($57.83 million).
PSG’s club statement said, "Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce it has secured the services of Ferran Torres," and the deal reunites Torres with Luis Enrique, who previously worked with him with Spain.
Torres arrived in Paris after scoring an extra-time winning goal in the World Cup final against Argentina, and Reuters described him as a 26-year-old forward who will be reunited with coach Luis Enrique.
Quotes and context
Torres said in a statement, "I'm delighted to be beginning a new adventure at such an ambitious club as Paris Saint-Germain," and he thanked President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique.
Al Jazeera added that Torres hoped "to help win as many trophies as possible," and it noted he previously worked with Luis Enrique, who gave him his international debut in a Nations League match against Germany in 2020.
Reuters reported that Torres scored 21 goals and provided three assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona in their last campaign as the club retained their LaLiga title.
The Guardian also quoted Torres’s thanks, saying, "I’d like to thank President Nasser al-Khelaifi, Luis Campos [PSG’s football adviser] and coach Luis Enrique for giving me the opportunity to join the team," and it said he will be reunited with Luis Enrique in Paris.
The move also came with a jersey detail, as Daily Sabah said Torres will wear the No. 9 shirt in Paris, and Goal reported he was assigned the prestigious number 9 shirt in Paris.
What it changes
The transfer leaves Barcelona needing to reshape their attack after Torres’s exit, with L'Équipe saying he was in the final year of his contract with Barça in 2027 and that the PSG deal was estimated at 50 M€.
“The transfer potentially frees up some funds for Barcelona's pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri”
Sky Sports said the signing potentially frees up some funds for Barcelona's pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, noting that City rejected a £55m bid from Barcelona for Rodri last week.
Cadena SER framed the move as a new era for Torres after he scored the goal that made Spain champions of the world for second time, and it said the agreement was closed in around 50 million euros and variables that could approach 55 million euros in total.
Goal and Reuters both emphasized the long-term nature of the deal, with Goal stating Torres agreed to a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until June 2031 and Reuters listing the contract until 2031.
For PSG, the signing was positioned as additional firepower and versatility, with Goal saying it brings "additional firepower and versatility to an already star-studded frontline" and with Daily Sabah describing the move as reuniting Torres with Luis Enrique, his former Spain coach.
