Transfer Centre

Paris Saint-Germain plotting move for Villarreal's Pau Torres?

By Ben Sully | 12 March 2023

PSG plotting move for Villarreal's Pau Torres?

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly preparing to make a summer move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who has previously been linked with Manchester United.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres in the summer transfer window.

After being knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in midweek, PSG are planning for a busy summer where there could be a number of arrivals and departures.

There is currently uncertainty surrounding Christophe Galtier's position as PSG boss following the club's European exit, while there are also doubts over the futures of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Sergio Ramos, who joined the club from Real Madrid in 2021, could be set to leave on a free transfer with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

The Spaniard is believed to be one of the club's highest earners, and PSG could decide to let him leave for free in the summer, as they look to reduce their wage bill to meet financial fair play rules.

Pau Torres celebrates scoring for Villarreal in March 2022 © Reuters

However, Ramos received praise for his impressive performance in Wednesday's second-leg defeat to Bayern, which has opened up the possibility of the Parisians offering him a new deal.

While the future of Ramos remains uncertain, Milan Skriniar is expected to arrive on a free transfer when his Inter Milan contract ends in June.

PSG are also considering other defensive options, and according to AS, they are targeting a move for Torres.

The Villarreal centre-back was linked with a transfer to Manchester United last summer, but Erik ten Hag reportedly prevented the deal from happening.

Instead, the Dutchman persuaded Man United to sign Lisandro Martinez, who has gone on to establish a central defensive partnership with Raphael Varane.

Paris Saint-Germain football advisor Luis Campos pictured on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

PSG football advisor Luis Campos plays a key role in the club's transfer strategy, and he is said to be a huge admirer of Torres.

The Spain international has made 160 appearances during his time with Villarreal, contributing 11 goals and five assists.

Torres helped the club win the 2020-21 Europa League, and he also played a role in Villarreal's run to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

With less than 18 months remaining on his current deal, Villarreal could be open to the possibility of a sale this summer, as they look to avoid a situation where he leaves on a free transfer in 2024.

PSG are also considering a number of other transfer targets, including Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.