Barcelona Open To Ferran Torres Sale To Fund Alvarez, Rashford Moves

Barcelona are ready to sacrifice Ferran Torres to bankroll a summer attacking overhaul that could bring Julian Alvarez to the Camp Nou and keep Marcus Rashford in Catalonia beyond his current loan, sources have told ESPN.

Club officials have concluded that Torres, signed from Manchester City for more than €50 million in 2022, is the most marketable asset among their forwards and have decided to listen to offers rather than cash in on 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, whose contract winds down after next season. With Torres tied to the club through 2027, Barcelona view the upcoming window as their last realistic chance to command a substantial fee before the Spain international enters the final 12 months of his deal.

Sporting director Deco is spearheading the search for a new starting striker, and Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez sits at the top of the shortlist. Arsenal are also circling the Argentine, while Atlético are expected to resist any approach. Parallel to that pursuit, Barcelona want to retain Rashford, who arrived on loan from Manchester United in January. The club hold a €30 million purchase option but are attempting to negotiate the price down or secure another temporary arrangement. United, however, have told Barcelona the fee is non-negotiable.

Torres has registered 16 goals in 40 games this season, though only three have come since the calendar flipped to 2026 and his last strike dates back to a 3-1 win over Elche on January 31. Coaches remain satisfied with his professionalism and attribute the barren run to a difficult stretch of form rather than any attitude issue.

Lewandowski, meanwhile, has attracted global attention—Chicago Fire held talks with his camp in January—and will assess his future after the campaign ends. President Joan Laporta has publicly stated he would like to extend the Polish striker’s stay, a stance that reinforces the club’s willingness to move Torres to generate funds.

Any income from a Torres sale would be channelled directly into what Deco sees as essential reinforcements up front, with Barcelona aiming to secure at least one marquee arrival and potentially two before the new season kicks off.