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Xavi set to play Ferran Torres as No9 and ditch natural winger role after Man City star’s transfer to Barcelona
FERRAN TORRES will reportedly be tasked with leading the line for Barcelona should his move from Manchester City go through next month.
The Spanish giants have agreed a £55million deal with the Citizens to bring the 21-year-old back to Spain - less than two years after arriving in England.
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City prised the 22-cap Spain international away from Valencia in August 2020, with the forward scoring 16 goals in 43 games under Pep Guardiola.
But he is now poised to depart in January after Barca took out a bank loan in order to secure his services.
Predominantly a winger, Torres will be given a central role at the Nou Camp under boss Xavi.
That is according to , who claim that the ex-Al Sadd gaffer wants his compatriot to be Barcelona's new No9.
Though they state that he could play on the flanks if needed should Ansu Fati, Ez Abde and Ousmane Dembele be unavailable for selection.
In the seven games that Torres featured for City before fracturing his foot while on international duty in October, he had played as the club's centre-forward.
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Guardiola failed to bring in a replacement for Sergio Aguero, opting instead to entrust Torres with filling his shoes.
And he impressed in his new role - chipping in with three goals and one assist.
City manager Guardiola has ruled out buying a striker in the New Year to replace Torres as he confirmed the player asked him to leave the Etihad.
Pressed on whether he would be active in the upcoming transfer window, Guardiola remarked: “No we are not going to bring a striker in January.”
Before adding: "He is from Spain, Barcelona knock and I understand why he wants to leave.
“When he knocked on my door and said ‘I want to leave’, I said ‘leave. Call Txiki, call your smart agent, try to make an agreement. If you can, do it’.
“I cannot convince the players to do something when their mind isn’t here. It makes no sense."
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Asked if he would be disappointed if Torres leaves, he said: “Absolutely not. I want the happiness of my players. I said many times.
“I said to him when he came to me and with many players, if you are not happy you have to leave.
“The career is short, in one day it is over. If he wants to leave, absolutely I am not disappointed. It is his desire, if the clubs reach an agreement, I am happy for him.”
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