VILLAREAL, SPAIN - JULY 19: Pau Torres of Villarreal CF looks on during the Liga match between Villarreal CF and SD Eibar SAD at Estadio de la Ceramica on July 19, 2020 in Villareal, Spain. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to Todofichajes (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United could be planning to sign Pau Torres in January. The Red Devils were clearly in need of defensive reinforcements after last season’s implosions towards the end. Yet, no effort was made to sign anyone in the summer window.
The 23-year-old rose through the ranks of Villarreal’s youth system and was promoted to the club’s senior setup in the summer of 2018. After struggling to find regular game time, he was sent on loan to Malaga, where he developed himself.
Since his return to La Ceramica, Torres has established himself as the first-choice centre-back under Javier Calleja. He is one of the most promising young talents in Spain and his impressive performances have also garnered attention from elite teams. The youngster has made over 50 appearances for Villarreal, scoring three and assisting two goals (source – Transfermarkt).
Torres also earned a call-up to the national team last October and scored within a few minutes into his debut against Malta. So far, he has made 5 appearances for the national side.
When you have made a disastrous start to a season after coming into it on the back of a season where you lost 3 semi-finals, it is clear that something is wrong. That ‘something’ for Manchester United is central defence.
It would be a lie to say United haven’t improved after the signings of Maguire and Wan-Bissaka. While Wan-Bissaka has been relatively faultless, Maguire has struggled immensely. His bad form from the end of last season crept into this season, with Manchester United already losing almost half of their league games and encountering an inexplicable Champions League loss at the hands of Istanbul Basaksehir.
The other central defenders haven’t fared much better either. Victor Lindelof remains shaky as ever. Eric Bailly was back on the treatment table after 2-3 good games. Axel Tuanzebe isn’t afforded the chances by Solskjaer even after some good showings. It is clear that the club needs someone new at the back.
Villarreal’s Pau Torres should be close to what they want. The Spaniard has made huge strides in the last few seasons, which has led to speculation about his future. His stock is rising after each passing game and rightfully so.
Torres represents a good investment for the future that could produce rich dividends. Despite the young age, he is fairly experienced and that could benefit the club. Manchester United would be foolish to not act on their January interest in the player.
