Barcelona keen to retain services of young midfielder in wake of impending Ilkay Gundogan departure | OneFootball

During Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Valencia on Saturday, it was telling that Hansi Flick started Raphinha as a 10. The likes of Dani Olmo, Ilkay Gundogan and Fermin Lopez were unavailable for the match, while Pedri could only start from the bench after injury. The only natural attacking midfielder that Flick had fully fit was Pablo Torre, but he played zero minutes at the Mestalla.

That appeared to suggest that Torre’s future at Barcelona was in doubt. It still is, but according to Sport, the club’s idea is for the 21-year-old to remain in the first team for this season, rather than leave on a second loan in two years.

Gundogan’s impending departure does mean that Torre would have slightly more opportunities, although he would still only be a squad player. He would have the chance to play regular elsewhere, and that decision will come down to him – the club will allow him to go if that is his wish.

If Torre were to leave alongside Gundogan, Barcelona would still have Olmo, Fermin and Pedri as options in the 10 position. It may not be the worst idea for Torre to play elsewhere, giving himself the opportunity to return next summer as a better/more confident player.