Manchester United are interested in signing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres in the current transfer window. Torres has come through the ranks at the Spanish club and become a key player for his club and country.
Manchester Evening News is reporting that Manchester United believe they could land the 24-year-old before the start of next season. The Spaniard’s release clause is set at €60 million, but Villarreal could let go of their star defender on a cash plus player exchange deal. The Red Devils have been impressed with Torres’ performances, including his display against them in the Europa League final.
Pau Torres still has three years remaining on his current deal at Villarreal.
Pau Torres: The right player alongside Maguire?
Manchester United were vulnerable at the back last season, with fans criticizing the performances of Victor Lindelof, while Harry Maguire had a few issues at the start of the season too. The English defender, though, settled in and made fewer errors later in the season. Eric Bailly, meanwhile, played just a handful of games as he had yet another injury-ravaged campaign.
Maguire is seen as the bonafide first-choice centre-back at the club, thanks to his leadership and organization skills, aerial ability, and passing. But, many feel that the Red Devils captain needs a better defender alongside him, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Pau Torres linked with a switch to United in recent times.
Pau Torres is a defender who has shown a lot of promise in his short time at the top level in Spain. The 6’4″ defender is a modern-day centre-back who can bring the ball out of the back, as well as switch play with his long and short passing. Torres averaged 62.4 passes per game in the Spanish league last season, as well as an average of 4.5 long balls per game.
The Spaniard is comfortable and confident on the ball offensively. He has the vision and passing ability to get his team out of sticky situations, while also setting up counter-attacking moves. Manchester United, at times, found it tough to pass out from the back, especially when pressed high. Torres’ passing, be it long or short, could help United to be better at building from the back.
He is a defender who has good anticipation, which coupled with his pace allows him to make vital interceptions and tackles. Torres is also decent in the air, which is helped by his 6’4″ frame. The left-footed defender could allow Maguire to play on the right side of defence, which would allow him to use his stronger right foot.
Torres does have a few weaknesses though, which include defending in one-on-one situations. But, the Spaniard is just 24 years of age and can improve in that aspect. His age means there is a potential for United to field a talented and balanced centre-back pairing in the long run which will allow them to address some other pressing issues in the squad.
There might be scattered arguments against spending big on a defender right now but having seen an upward trajectory over the previous year, this is the time for Manchester United to go on the offensive and make a statement in the transfer market.