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'I'm Happy For Him' - Pep Guardiola Confirms Ferran Torres Is Close To Joining Barcelona

'I'm Happy For Him' - Pep Guardiola Confirms Ferran Torres Is Close To Joining Barcelona

Guardiola says he won't look to sign a replacement next month.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed Ferran Torres is on the verge of joining Barcelona.

Torres, 21, has impressed since arriving at City from Valencia in 2020 but the forward is now keen to move back to Spain.

According to reports, Barcelona have agreed to pay €55m (£46.7m) for the Spain international, with a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.

Guardiola has confirmed Torres is close to joining the Catalan club in January and says he won’t look to sign a replacement in the upcoming transfer window.

Torres has impressed since joining City from Valencia in 2020 (Image credit: Alamy)
Torres has impressed since joining City from Valencia in 2020 (Image credit: Alamy)

"We won't bring in a striker in January," said Guardiola.

"It (Torres move) is not done officially. I know they are negotiating, it's close, that's all. When the club announces it, it is done.

"We are not a club like other clubs when players want to leave and the owner says stay.

“If they want to leave because they feel they will be happier in another place, they have to go. I am happy for him."

Barcelona are keen to sign a striker following the unexpected loss of Sergio Aguero, who was forced to retire earlier this season due to a heart condition.

They are set to gain a promising replacement in Torres, who has managed a return of 16 goals in 43 games for City.

The Spain international is keen to return to his home country (Image credit: Alamy)
The Spain international is keen to return to his home country (Image credit: Alamy)

Torres was expected to travel to Spain this week to complete a medical with Barcelona.

However, the Catalan club may not be able to add him to their squad until they sell other players, according to BBC Sport.

It is claimed that Barcelona were only able to agree the fee for Torres after receiving a bank loan and must now sell players raise transfer funds and reduce their wage bill.

Barcelona are reportedly keen to offload £105m flop Philippe Coutinho, with Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham all linked with the Brazilian.

Coutinho has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Liverpool in 2018 and is now deemed surplus to requirements by new Barcelona head coach Xavi.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Barcelona, Football, Premier League, La Liga, Transfers