Ferran Torres has fuelled speculation about his long-term future at Barcelona after a series of candid television appearances during a promotional tour in the United States, leaving supporters and club officials alike unsure of his next move.
The Spanish forward, who scored the decisive goal in the World Cup final against Argentina, was pressed on where he expects to be playing next season. His response did little to settle the matter. "I have a contract with Barcelona but, in football, you never know," Torres said. "We are waiting to make the right decision. Right now, all I know is that I have to be in training for Barcelona on 12 August. Let's see what happens."
When asked what the Catalan club would need to do to convince him to commit his future to the Camp Nou, Torres was equally direct. "Show me they want me, come to negotiate," he said.
The 25-year-old also reflected on his World Cup final winner, admitting the moment still feels surreal months later. "I've watched it thousands of times. When I finished the game, I didn't remember the goal. It was unbelievable. I can't describe it with words," he said.
Speculation escalated further when Torres was quizzed about reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, managed by former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique. "Every time these teams want you it's a good thing," Torres said. "You never know because in football everything can change in one minute, so I have to be ready for everything." Asked how he intends to approach what could prove a pivotal career decision, he added: "Trying to think what is going to make me happiest."
The comments have not gone down well with sections of the Barcelona fanbase, who feel Torres has deliberately kept the door open to a departure in order to strengthen his hand in any future contract talks. Critics have also pointed out that Torres has never fully nailed down a starting role since arriving from Manchester City in January 2022, nor consistently justified the expectations placed upon him.
Despite the noise, Barcelona are said to be relatively calm about the situation and plan to open discussions with Torres once he returns for pre-season training. Last season, playing under Hansi Flick, he was not a guaranteed starter but still contributed 21 goals and three assists across 49 appearances, largely rotating with Robert Lewandowski, who has since left to join Chicago Fire.
The club reportedly views Torres as one of its most versatile attacking assets and are keen to extend his deal, though any renewal is expected to keep him within Barcelona's current wage structure rather than deliver a significant pay rise. There is added complexity too: renewing his contract would reportedly trigger a payment of close to £7m to Manchester City, due to a clause inserted when he first signed. For financial planning reasons, Barcelona are believed to prefer waiting until September - after the transfer window closes - before formalising any new terms, in order to avoid complications with Financial Fair Play rules.
So far, no official offers have been submitted for Torres, although Barcelona would reportedly consider one if it materialised. PSG remain interested and are said to be monitoring the situation.
Torres may also feel emboldened heading into any negotiations, given Barcelona's uncertain search for a long-term central striker following Lewandowski's exit. With a potential move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez still unresolved, Torres remains the only senior forward at the club with genuine experience playing through the middle - a factor that could strengthen his position at the negotiating table.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.