Torres returns to Barcelona amid contract uncertainty after World Cup winner

Ferran Torres will return to Barcelona later this month after scoring the extra-time winner that secured Spain's second World Cup triumph, but the forward's long-term future at the club remains unclear as he is contracted until June 2027 and could negotiate with other clubs from January if no new deal is reached.

Since joining Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022, Torres has made 207 appearances for the club, 94 (45%) of which have been as a substitute, and his profile and marketability have risen following the World Cup, a summer that has shifted from celebrations to transfer speculation.

The uncertainty intensified after a promotional tour in the United States that included a string of television appearances and a ceremonial first pitch before the New York Yankees' game against the St Louis Cardinals; on that tour Torres said: "I have a contract with Barcelona but, in football, you never know. "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."

Asked what Barcelona need to do to keep him, Torres told reporters: "Show me they want me, come to negotiate." He also reflected on his World Cup final goal against Argentina, saying: "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."

Torres addressed reported interest from Paris St-Germain during the same media tour, saying: "Every time these teams want you it's a good thing," and adding: "You never know because in football everything can change in one minute, so I have to be ready for everything." On how he will approach a potential decision, he said: "Trying to think what is going to make me happiest."

Barcelona say they remain relaxed about Torres' situation and will speak to him when he returns to training as planned; last season he was not a regular starter under Hansi Flick and finished the campaign with 21 goals and three assists in 49 appearances, while rotating primarily with Robert Lewandowski — who has since signed for Chicago Fire — and providing cover across the front three.

The club remain keen to extend his contract but any new deal is expected to keep Torres within the existing wage structure, with reports suggesting Barcelona would delay formal negotiations until September to avoid affecting Financial Fair Play calculations; renewing his deal would reportedly trigger an external payment of almost £7m to Manchester City because of a clause from his January 2022 transfer. Barcelona have received no formal offers for Torres, though the club would consider one, and PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, remain interested and are monitoring developments closely.

Barcelona plan to speak to Torres when he reports for training on 12 August, and if no agreement is reached before his contract expires in June 2027 he would be able to negotiate with other clubs from January.