Report: Barcelona eyeing move to sign Aston Villa defender in shock move | OneFootball

Barcelona interest sharpens focus on Villa defender

Barcelona’s ongoing search for defensive balance has once again led them towards the Premier League, with Aston Villa centre back Pau Torres firmly in their sights. According to ESPN, “Barcelona are following Aston Villa defender Pau Torres after making the signing of a left sided centre back a priority for next summer, various sources have told ESPN.” It is a line that speaks as much about Barcelona’s uncertainty as it does about Torres’ growing stature under Unai Emery.

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The Catalan club have been left short since the exit of Iñigo Martínez, a loss that ESPN note “saw coach Hansi Flick lose a key figure from last season’s backline.” With Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Eric García and Andreas Christensen all rotated or repurposed, continuity has been elusive.

Flick’s tactical dilemma in defence

ESPN detail how Flick has even resorted to improvisation, explaining that “in recent weeks, with Araújo currently taking a mental health break and García playing in midfield, the German coach has even used left back Gerard Martín as a centre back.” The logic is clear. “Flick’s reason for using Martín there is the benefits it provides for the team in possession when they can play out from the back with a left footed player.”

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That context explains why Torres appeals. ESPN report that Barcelona are “scouring the market for a long term partner for Cubarsí,” adding that Torres has “always been on the club’s radar because of his ability both on the ball and in the air.”

Villa’s leverage and Torres’ contract position

Barcelona’s admiration is longstanding. They “previously considered making a move for the Spain international when he was at Villarreal,” before Villa secured him in 2023 “in a deal worth around €40 million ($47m).” ESPN also stress the difficulty of any negotiation, noting that Barcelona “are aware that it won’t be easy to deal with Villa,” given his importance to Emery and a contract that runs until 2028.

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Still, the report adds an intriguing note. Sources “have suggested to ESPN that Torres would listen to an offer to return to Spain should the Catalan club make a serious move to sign him.” It is interest rather than inevitability, and Barcelona’s defensive shortlist remains broad, especially with a backline that “has conceded 31 goals in 23 games in all competitions this season.”

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Pau Torres has become central to how Unai Emery wants Villa to play, calm in possession, positionally intelligent and comfortable stepping into midfield phases. That Barcelona see him as a solution to their problems underlines how well he has adapted to the Premier League and how much his reputation has grown in Birmingham.

There is also a sense that Villa hold the stronger hand. Torres is under contract until 2028, he is settled, and he is a pillar of a side pushing for consistency at the top end of the table. Villa are no longer a selling club by default. Any approach would need to reflect not only his ability but his importance to Emery’s structure. A fee starting well above the €40 million paid would feel like the minimum conversation starter.

Supporters will note the line that Torres “would listen” to a return to Spain. That is understandable, Barcelona remain Barcelona. Yet listening is not leaving. Villa fans will expect the club to stand firm, reinforce ambition and make clear that their best players are part of the journey, not bargaining chips. If Barcelona want him, they should be prepared for a long, expensive negotiation, and for Villa to say no.