Ferran Torres set for Paris Saint-Germain move after Barcelona decision

Ferran Torres’ move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain appears to be a matter of time after the Catalan club allowed the Spain forward to miss training for a second successive day while negotiations over his transfer continue.

Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have reached a preliminary agreement over the 26-year-old, according to earlier reports, with talks between the two clubs intensifying in recent hours.

The negotiations have included a series of offers and counter-offers, as well as discussions over the finer details of the deal. Those exchanges have now produced an understanding which has effectively settled the transfer, although the process is still being completed.

Barcelona’s decision to give Torres permission to remain absent from Thursday morning’s session was reported by Mundo Deportivo. The forward had been expected to return to training under manager Hansi Flick on Wednesday, but is instead finalising the arrangements for his move to Paris Saint-Germain with the approval of his current club.

The negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain are taking place at the same time as Barcelona’s preparations continue. Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal joined the main group at the start of training on Wednesday.

Pedri Gonzalez, however, continued to work in the gym and did not take part on the grass.

A number of other players are also training separately from the squad as they wait for decisions over their futures. They include Marc Casado, Hector Fort, Jofre Torrents, Tomy Marquez, Guille Fernandez and Toni Fernandez.

Their situations remain complicated, with the players continuing to work away from the main group while a solution is sought.

Flick also still has several reserve-team players working under his supervision. They include goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili, who is also edging closer to a move to Almeria, centre-back Alvaro Cortes, right-back Xavi Espart and left-back Jordi Pesquer.

The midfielders Ebrima Tunkara, Oriol Jorin and Brian Farinas are also among the reserve players remaining with Flick, as is forward Hamza Abdelkarim.

Torres’ absence is the clearest indication yet that his Barcelona career is approaching its conclusion. With the clubs having moved from initial discussions to detailed negotiations and an effective agreement, the Spain international is now expected to complete his switch to Paris Saint-Germain once the remaining procedures have been finalised.