World Cup hero Torres leaves Barca for PSG
Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup final goalscorer Ferran Torres has completed his €50 million ($81.7 million) transfer from Barcelona to European champion Paris Saint-Germain.
Torres was the hero as La Roja became world champion for the second time in July, with his extra-time goal enough to secure a 1-0 win over Argentina in New Jersey.
After his international heroics, the former Manchester City forward reportedly informed Barca that he wished to pursue a move to France, after four years in LaLiga.
Having arrived from City in January 2022, Torres made 207 appearances for Barca and scored 65 goals, but 94 of his outings came from the bench amid fierce competition for minutes in the Blaugrana's attack.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha arrived at Barca only a few short months after Torres, while the emergence of Lamine Yamal was another factor in limiting his involvement.
But he will now represent two-time defending UEFA Champions League winner PSG, having penned a five-year contract at the Ligue 1 champion.
He will wear the number nine shirt for Luis Enrique's side, which takes on Lens in the Trophee des Champions on Monday (AEST) before opening its Ligue 1 campaign versus Rennes a week later.
The 26-year-old is PSG's fourth signing of the transfer window, coming after the arrivals of Maghnes Akliouche, Lucas Digne and Khalil Ayari.
PSG is likely to balance its attacking options by letting Bradley Barcola leave, with Liverpool the club most heavily linked with the France forward.
Torres said: "I'm delighted to be beginning a new adventure at such an ambitious club as Paris Saint-Germain.
"I'd like to thank President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Luis Campos and coach Luis Enrique for giving me the opportunity to join the team, which I hope to help win as many trophies as possible."
Luis Enrique wants to see his squad become stronger every season, and insists Torres's versatility does exactly that.
"I'm happy about Ferran Torres's arrival. We're improving our team," he said.
"We have to be open to every possibility we have, and Ferran is a world-class player.
"We know him very well. He'll adapt to what we want; he can play anywhere across the front line. It's important to have this type of player back.
"We're continuing to work with Luis Campos to improve the team.
"We must always remember that the arrival of new players gives us a different mindset. We have to change things to continue winning."
In a statement confirming Torres's move, Barca expressed its gratitude to Torres for his "commitment over the past five seasons" and wished him all the best for the next stage of his professional career.
In addition to Torres's departure, Barca has also seen Lewandowski join Chicago Fire and neglected to make Marcus Rashford's loan move from Manchester United permanent, but it has brought in Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, while it continues to be linked with former Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.
