This archive report was first published on 23 December 2021.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ferran Torres is on the brink of a move to Barcelona, with the Spanish international having asked to leave the English champions.
Despite Manchester City's financial struggles, Barcelona have reportedly agreed a deal worth an initial 55 million euros ($62 million, £47 million) for the 22-year-old Torres, who has scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for City since joining from Valencia last year.
Guardiola revealed that Torres had knocked on his door and asked to leave, to which he replied, 'Leave.' The manager emphasized the importance of player happiness, stating, 'If you are not happy, you have to leave.'
Guardiola also confirmed that Manchester City will not be in the market for a striker in the January transfer window, despite missing out on a move for Harry Kane in the summer window.
Manchester City have coped without a natural number nine so far this season, with eight consecutive wins taking them three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Guardiola's squad has avoided the coronavirus outbreaks that have led to 12 Premier League games being postponed over the past two weeks, and the manager stressed the need for players to be even more professional in the coming weeks to help ensure as many games as possible go on.
