Barcelona forward likely to stay at club despite persistent pressure from Atletico Madrid dressing room | OneFootball

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is currently closest to staying at the Catalan club for the upcoming season, according to football journalist Matteo Moretto (h/t FCB World).

Despite significant external interest and persistent inquiries from domestic rivals, the 26-year-old Spain international, whose contract expires in 2027, feels comfortable with his current life in Barcelona and has no immediate plans to push for a summer departure.

Lack of alternatives facilitates stay

A primary factor supporting Torres’s continued presence in Catalonia is the club’s current squad composition.

Barcelona’s sporting department currently faces a distinct lack of available alternative options in the centre-forward position, especially given the ongoing administrative difficulties in securing new attacking signings this summer.

Ferran’s contract expires in 2027. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With Robert Lewandowski having left, and the club encountering difficulties in signing a replacement, Ferran has a great chance of entering the season as a starter for Barça.

Persistent inquiries from Atletico Madrid

Torres’s current stance persists despite an intensive, daily recruitment campaign being waged by members of the Atletico Madrid squad.

Several Atleti players, who share close personal friendships with the forward from their time together in the Spanish national team camp, have been contacting him on a daily basis to convince him to move to the capital.

These players have repeatedly urged Torres to join Diego Simeone’s side, presenting a sporting pitch where he would become the club’s undisputed starting number nine, their primary star, and the team’s top goalscorer.

Likely to stay. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It must be noted that PSG, too, have been making moves for Spain’s World Cup hero. But as things stand, he appears likely to continue with Barcelona.

Contract extension talks yet to progress

While Torres remains intent on staying at the Camp Nou for the immediate future, his long-term contractual status is becoming increasingly complex.

A formal meeting has been scheduled between the player’s representatives and Barcelona’s management to discuss extending his current agreement.

However, as things stand, no agreement has been reached, and Torres is not close to signing a renewal.

With his contract gradually approaching its final stages, the Blaugrana are aware that the option of Torres leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of next season cannot be entirely ruled out.