Aston Villa 'Make Pau Torres Exit Plan' Amid Fears He Could Push to Leave

Aston Villa are on high alert over the future of key defender Pau Torres, with Barcelona showing strong interest in the Spanish center-back amid the club's defensive crisis.[5][1]

Torres, who joined Villa from Villarreal in 2023 for around €40 million, has been instrumental under manager Unai Emery. The 28-year-old has featured prominently in Villa's impressive season, helping them secure an 11th straight Premier League win against Chelsea—though he missed that match due to a calf injury, with an estimated return in early January 2026.[1][7] His composure on the ball and line-breaking passes have made him a cornerstone of Villa's title-chasing campaign and top-four ambitions.[4]

Barcelona's pursuit stems from their need for a left-sided center-back, intensified by Andreas Christensen's season-ending injury and the earlier departure of Iñigo Martínez. Sources indicate Barça, who previously eyed Torres at Villarreal, view him as a prime target for January or next summer, when his Villa contract—running until 2028—will have two years left.[2][3][7] Reports suggest Torres would be open to a return to Spain, drawn by the "magnetic" pull of Barcelona, potentially even mid-season.[1][4]

However, Villa have no intention of letting him go in January, planning to block any approaches. Emery considers Torres "untouchable and indispensable," and the club is unlikely to negotiate, especially with finances posing challenges for Barça under LaLiga's fair play rules.[5][6] Barcelona are also monitoring alternatives like Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck.[2][3]

While wages may not be an issue, Villa's high valuation and title push make a deal difficult. Emery is focused on retaining his star to sustain their momentum, potentially toward Champions League qualification, setting up a potential tug-of-war.[1][4]

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