A Premier League club is reportedly ready to take one of FC Barcelona's wingers off their hands in ... [+]
A Premier
SPORT reported on Thursday morning how the cash-strapped Catalans will not be able to buy any players at the turn of 2024 as things stand.
They have Brazilian teen sensation Vitor Roque arriving in the winter market, after agreeing a deal worth a fixed €30 million ($32.2 million) plus €31 million ($33.3 million) in variables with Athletico Paranaense for his services this summer.
But it seems as though that will be the Blaugrana's lot before they head on down the home stretch and the business end of competitions such as La Liga and the Champions League - providing they have managed to qualify out of the group for the first time in three years, that is.
When he lands, Vitor Roque will provide backup to striker Robert Lewandowski yet mainly fight for minutes on the wings.
This is bad news for the likes of Ferran Torres and Raphinha, who are already struggling to push another prodigy in Lamine Yamal out of the picture.
But there could be an out for Torres according to El Nacional, with Newcastle United interested in buying him this January.
After previously registering interest in Raphinha, who they were preparing an €80 million ($86 million) bid for as reported by Mundo Deportivo, the club owned by the Saudi government-backed Public Investment Fund are willing to pay half that amount for the Spain international.
Though selling Torres for such a fee represents a loss for Barca, who paid €55 million ($59 million) to Manchester City for him in late 2021, €40 million ($43 million) now would be greatly welcomed by Joan Laporta and his board.
The money would help Barca navigate Financial Fair Play limits, and also possibly bring in reinforcements in the winter window beyond Vitor Roque that were previously unthinkable.
Fresh off scoring a double for Spain against Cyprus on Tuesday evening, Torres returns to club action at the weekend when Barca face Real Betis at the Montjuic Stadium.
Once more, however, he could be overlooked in favor of Lamine Yamal who also netted for La Roja against Georgia breaking two records in one evening for youngest appearance maker and goalscorer.