Juventus have offered Ferran Torres a £3.5 million-a-year contract and a guaranteed place in Maurizio Sarri’s starting XI as they look to win the race for a Liverpool linked wonderkid, according to Eurosport.
If Valencia were hoping to shed their ‘selling club’ image this summer, then the seemingly inevitable departure of one of Europe’s hottest prospects is not exactly a great look.
The Spanish giants have cashed in on countless star players over the years, from David Silva to Juan Mata, Nicolas Otamendi to Andre Gomes.
But even if they wanted to break the chain and keep Torres at the Mestalla for years to come, it seems that they have no choice but to accept that the 20-year-old speedster has just weeks left on the Castellon coast.
As reported by Goal in April, Liverpool made contact with Torres’s representatives after he rejected the chance to become one of Valencia’s best paid players.
The academy graduate turned assist machine has just 12 months left on his current deal. As a result, Los Che will have little choice but to sell for a damn sight less than his £90 million release clause.
And it speaks volumes about how highly regarded Torres is across Europe that Juventus are willing to go to serious lengths to lure the Spain U21 international to Italy.
Europsport claims that Torres, who is also a target for Manchester City, has been offered a substantial pay rise and a guaranteed place in the first XI – that is some statement, given the treasure trove of attacking riches at Juve’s disposal.
Then again, it’s not often a player with such enormous potential is available with just a year left on his contract.
“I have always thought that he looks like Johan Cruyff,” former Valencia chairman Paco Roig told Marca recently.
“For me it is a total shame (if he goes).”
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