Barcelona’s Ferran Torres could return to the Premier League amid ‘loan interest from Aston Villa’

Ferran Torres could be making his way back to the Premier League with a loan move to Aston Villa, according to a new report. 

The 23-year-old forward joined Manchester City in the summer of 2020, and spent a year and a half with the Citizens before joining Barcelona.

But with the Catalan club facing a tough financial situation, they are looking at offloading players – which could see Torres join fellow Spaniard Unai Emery at Villa Park next season, with a purchase option of €25m (£21.5m).

But, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are not seduced by the prospect of a loan, with sales preferred, and the attacker has no plans to change club after 18 months in LaLiga.

However, Torres might be drawn by the prospect of more quality minutes on the pitch, while Barcelona’s economic needs will be slightly lifted by the prospect of getting the striker off their books, even temporarily. 

Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his Villa side ahead of European football next season

Aston Villa are looking to strengthen ahead of Emery’s first full season in charge at the club, while they will also be competing in European football for the first time in many years.  

Newcastle United were previously thought to be in the hunt to buy Torres as well.  

Last month, it was reported that Torres had moved back to Spain to be closer to his girlfriend Sira Martinez – but they broke up, which could increase the possibility of a return to the Premier League.

Torres made 43 appearances for Manchester City during his time in England, winning the Premier League and League Cup. However, injury hampered his appearances during the 2021-22 season, and instigated his move to Barcelona in January.  

In his break before Barcelona training on July 10, the player has been at the Ferran Torres Campus at the Municipal Sports Center in his hometown of Foios. 

It is a project that supports children at a sports level, and with increased awareness of environmental and social causes. 

Torres previously spent a year and a half on the books at Man City before returning to Spain