Ferran Torres nears Paris Saint-Germain move as Luis Enrique plans measured start

Ferran Torres is closing in on a move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and could undergo his medical as early as Friday, or Saturday at the latest, if the remaining details of the transfer are completed.

The two clubs have reached an initial agreement worth about €50m, with a further €5m available in add-ons. Torres did not return to training with Barcelona on either of the past two days, with the club’s permission, as negotiations over his switch to Paris continue.

However, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is not expected to rush the Spain forward into his first appearance for the club.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Torres is returning from a holiday lasting several weeks after the World Cup. He is expected to follow an individual training programme before joining the full squad, meaning he is unlikely to feature in the Champions Cup match against Lens next Sunday.

Paris Saint-Germain are instead targeting Sunday, 23 August, for his debut against Rennes at Parc des Princes in Ligue 1. By then, Torres is expected to have spent more than a week training alongside his new team-mates.

Luis Enrique is understood to have a clear idea of how he wants to use the forward. The Paris Saint-Germain manager values Torres’ versatility and believes he can operate either through the middle or from the wings, rather than being restricted to the traditional centre-forward role.

The proposed arrival follows Goncalo Ramos’ departure from Paris Saint-Germain for Milan. Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue currently appear to be the club’s leading attacking options, but Luis Enrique’s regular rotation of his forwards is expected to give Torres opportunities to play.

Another possibility would be for Doue to move into a position closer to the striker, opening up a place on the wing for Torres.

The planned approach would allow Torres time to build up his fitness and adapt to Paris Saint-Germain’s demands before being introduced into competitive action. His first opportunity is therefore likely to come after a gradual period of preparation rather than immediately after the transfer is completed.

The agreement between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain still requires the final details to be settled before the medical can take place. If those outstanding matters are resolved, Torres could complete that step by the end of the week and move closer to beginning his career with the French club.

Luis Enrique’s plans indicate that the new signing is being viewed as a flexible attacking option. His ability to play centrally or on either wing is expected to be particularly useful as Paris Saint-Germain manage their forward line and continue to rotate Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Doue.