Ferran Torres reveals how early PSG began working on his Barcelona exit

Ferran Torres’ move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain was not put together in the aftermath of the World Cup. The Spanish forward has revealed that PSG approached his camp before the tournament and that, by the time discussions became concrete, he had already decided where he wanted to play.

The transfer was officially announced on 15 August. Torres signed a contract running until 2031 and received PSG’s number nine shirt. Neither club disclosed the financial terms, although reports placed the fee at approximately €50 million.

PSG MOVED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP

Speaking at PSG’s Media Day, Torres explained that contact with the French club began before the World Cup. His mind had already been made up when the parties entered more advanced discussions.

That timeline removes any suggestion that PSG made a hurried move after the tournament. The European champions had identified their target early and spent weeks preparing the deal.

Luis Campos played an important role, but Luis Enrique was the central figure. Torres described the PSG coach as a father figure, a relationship that goes back to their time together with Spain.

Luis Enrique handed Torres his senior international debut in 2020. Six years later, he brought him into his club side. PSG therefore had more than financial strength on its side. The coach knew exactly what the forward could offer and was able to present him with a clearly defined role.

BARCELONA WERE DEALING WITH A DECISION ALREADY MADE

Torres did not criticise Barcelona or portray the transfer as an escape. His account does show, however, that PSG’s work was well advanced before the move entered the public stage. While Barcelona were still shaping their squad for the new season, the forward had already settled on Paris.

Barcelona eventually sold a player who scored 65 goals in 207 appearances for the club. During his final campaign in Catalonia, he registered 21 goals and three assists in 49 matches. He then scored Spain’s extra-time winner against Argentina in the World Cup final.

The reported €50 million fee allowed Barcelona to frame the departure as a valuable sale. PSG’s approach tells the other half of the story. They did not pick up a discarded squad player at the end of the window. They contacted a specific target early, used his existing connection with Luis Enrique and signed the newly crowned world champion.

A RETURN TO BARCELONA IS ALREADY WAITING

The Champions League draw has ensured that Torres will not have to wait long for a reunion. PSG and Barcelona will meet during the league phase, and the forward has admitted that facing his former club will be a special occasion.

He has already made an impact in France. Torres scored twice on his competitive PSG debut to rescue a 2-2 draw away to Rennes. Although he is comfortable through the middle, Luis Enrique can deploy him across the front line. Both debut goals arrived while he was operating from the left.

Torres has described PSG as Europe’s leading side and wants to help them chase a third consecutive Champions League title. Barcelona received a substantial fee, but the player’s own timeline makes one point clear: Paris had been preparing his arrival for months. By the time the transfer became official, the most important decision had already been made.