24-year-old La Liga star rejected Tottenham move in the summer despite agreeing transfer fee | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur were rejected by Pau Torres this summer despite agreement of transfer fee

According to AS (h/t Express), Villarreal defender Pau Torres refused to make the switch to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer despite a transfer fee being agreed between the two clubs.

Spurs changed managers at the start of the summer as Nuno Espirito Santo came in. However, one more addition to the higher staff was the appointment of Fabio Paratici as the new director of football.

Although the Italian completed several deals for exciting youngsters over the course of the summer, one deal he could not get over the line was a move for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.

Tottenham had agreed a transfer fee with Villarreal for Pau Torres. (imago Images)

The 24-year-old had an incredible 2020/21 season for the Yellow Submarine as he led them to a 7th placed finish in La Liga while he was also a crucial part of their UEFA Europa League triumph in May, as they beat Manchester United on penalties in the final.

Several clubs were interested in securing the defender’s services this summer, including the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid. However, it was Tottenham, who were close to agreeing a deal.

Paratici had apparently agreed a transfer fee in the region of £42.7million but the Spaniard was clear about his intentions from the beginning. Torres always wanted to play Champions League football, and he had that option at Villarreal itself.

Torres wanted to play Champions League football. (imago Images)

Spurs, after finishing 7th in the Premier League table last season, qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Thus, Torres was clear about not making the move to North London.

Paratici did manage to get Cristian Romero from Atalanta, who was named Serie A defender of the year last season. While a deal for the 24-year-old would also have been ideal, it remains to be seen whether Spurs pursue the centre-back again in the future.