Manchester City's $68M Star Wants To Join Barcelona Despite Champions League Disaster: Report

Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, who has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona in recent times, reportedly wants to go ahead with the deal despite the doubt that the Catalans may not play the Champions League next season.

Following their 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich last week, Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League and were demoted to Europa League, the second-tier European competition in soccer. Even in La Liga, Barcelona are placed eighth after 16 matches and there are high chances that they may not seal a spot in the top four and could miss out on the Champions League next campaign.

Manchester City have lowered their asking price for Torres down from $79 million to $68 million. Meanwhile, Barcelona have increased their bid for Torres from $39 million to $51 million-plus variables, reported Spanish publication SPORT. While the Catalans have reached an agreement with 21-year-old Torres, the two clubs are yet to agree to a deal.

Along with Torres, Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani is also ready to join Barcelona despite the club’s current struggles, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Cavani, who moved from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer of 2020, struggled to become a regular starter at Old Trafford. In his maiden season, Cavani managed to bag only 13 Premier League starts, having played a total of 26 league games. He scored 17 goals and 10 assists in 40 competitive appearances in the 2020-21 season.

In the underway campaign, Cavani has featured in only eight matches so far for Manchester United, having started only two of those. Cavani is currently out with a tendon issue but it is understood that he wouldn't receive any bigger role under Ralf Rangnick.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar could be the last of Cavani’s career and leading up to it, the Uruguayan forward wants to earn more game time, which he thinks won’t be possible at Manchester United.