Ferran Torres brings Atlético de Madrid closer to signing a top striker

Barça has spent years scouring the transfer market in search of a reliable "number 9" to strengthen their attack. Lewandowski's uncertain future and the doubts raised by Ferran Torres's performance pushed the board to prioritize that position. For several seasons, scoring goals has been a structural concern at Camp Nou.

However, in recent months, the scenario has changed dramatically thanks to Ferran Torres. The Valencian forward is having his best season as a culé, with 13 goals and 2 assists in 21 official matches. These numbers place him among the elite of European soccer and have altered Barça's plans.

Hansi Flick backs Ferran Torres at Barça

Flick is delighted with Ferran Torres's performance and his growth as a center forward. The coach believes that his movement, pressing, and goal-scoring instinct fit perfectly with his play style. For that reason, he wants him to be the starting "number 9" from now on.

This decision has had a direct impact on the club's sporting plans. Deco has understood that backing Ferran Torres means giving up on top-tier signings. Barça doesn't want to invest large sums to bench one of their most in-form footballers.

For months, Barça's sporting director had been working with top-tier names. Julián Álvarez, Haaland, and Harry Kane have all been highly valued options in the offices. All of them have been ruled out because their arrival would send Ferran Torres back to the bench.

Ferran Torres brings a top "number 9" signing closer to Atlético de Madrid

The latest name to drop off the culé radar follows this same line. Dusan Vlahovic has long been highly regarded by Deco. The Serbian was seen as the ideal profile to take over from Lewandowski.

However, Barça's current reality has changed that perception. Now, the natural replacement for Lewandowski is Ferran Torres, not an external signing. That, combined with the Serbian's poor performance, has caused Vlahovic to definitively lose ground on the culé agenda.

This scenario opens a clear opportunity for another major LaLiga club. Atlético de Madrid is also closely monitoring the Juventus striker's situation. At the Metropolitano, they are seriously considering his addition to strengthen their attack.

If Sorloth ultimately leaves Atlético de Madrid, Vlahovic could become the big rojiblanco signing. The Serbian's profile fits what Simeone is looking for in his forward line: power, goals, and experience at the highest European level.

All this movement is explained, in large part, by Ferran Torres's growth. His performance has freed Barça from having to go to the market for a top "number 9." Indirectly, the Valencian has brought Vlahovic closer to Atlético de Madrid.