Deco reveals why Barcelona let Ferran Torres leave for PSG for €45m

Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, bringing his tally to five goals in four appearances for PSG since his summer transfer from FC Barcelona, officially completed for approximately €45 million excluding bonuses.

These impressive beginnings might have sparked regrets on the Catalan side, but Barcelona sporting director Deco dismisses that notion. Speaking to radio station RAC-1, the Portuguese director explained that the 26-year-old Spanish forward himself wanted to leave the club to find an undisputed starting role.

“Players need to be happy,” Deco said. “I’m pleased for him that he scored three goals with PSG in the Champions League. Ultimately, he wanted to be a key player, we listened when he wanted to leave and we’re grateful to him for that. He contributed a lot and I wish him all the best.”

Weighed down by competition within a particularly dense Barcelona attacking squad, Torres had never managed to establish himself as a regular starter since arriving from Manchester City in January 2022. His time in Catalonia was nonetheless marked by important contributions, notably at the 2026 World Cup with Spain, where he was one of the heroes in the final.

In Paris, the Spanish international appears to have found the space and confidence he was seeking. His five goals in four matches across all competitions already make him one of PSG’s most effective summer signings.