It would be a major shame if Valencia were forced to sell reported Liverpool target Ferran Torres, according to former El Che chairman Paco Roig, who compares the Spanish winger to the legendary Johan Cruyff (Marca).
With expectation already rising around a jet-heeled 20-year-old, Torres might not thank Roig for likening him with one of the most influential footballers in the history of the beautiful game.
While the Valencia academy graduate might not quite match Cruyff’s achievements in the sport, this is certainly a player with special talent in his boots.
Torres has produced six goals and seven assists during a fabulous breakthrough campaign at the Mestalla, catching the eye thanks to his explosive pace and impressive end-product.
But, much to Roig’s frustrations, a club who have sold Juan Mata, David Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and more to Premier League clubs over the years could see another talismanic figure head for England.
“I have always thought that he looked like Cruyff,” says a man who led Valencia from 1994 to 1997.
“For me it is a total shame (if he goes).”
According to Goal, Liverpool have made contact with Torres’s representatives in recent weeks.
Valencia, try as they might, have failed to agree to a new contract with their prized asset, despite offering him the chance to become one of the club’s highest-paid players at the age of just 20.
Torres has a £92 million release-clause in his current deal, though the Castellon giants may be forced to accept a much lower fee with just 12 months remaining until one of Europe’s most exciting talents becomes a free agent.
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