Aston Villa Line Up Pau Torres Replacement Amid Barcelona Whispers

Aston Villa are reportedly preparing for the potential departure of defender Pau Torres by lining up a replacement, as Barcelona intensify their interest in the Spanish centre-back.

According to transfer insider Mick Brown, Villa are actively working on securing a successor for Torres amid growing speculation about a move back to Spain. The 28-year-old, who joined Villa from Villarreal in 2023 for around €40 million ($47m), has been a key figure in Unai Emery's squad, but his contract runs until 2028.^[2][1]

Barcelona's interest stems from their need for a left-sided centre-back to partner young star Pau Cubarsí. Coach Hansi Flick prioritizes a left-footed defender to aid build-up play from the back, following the exit of Iñigo Martínez to Al Nassr. Sources indicate Torres has long been on Barça's radar for his ball-playing ability and aerial prowess. Despite his importance to Villa—who sit comfortably in the Premier League top four—Torres would reportedly listen to an offer from the LaLiga leaders.^[1]

Villa, aware of the whispers, are proactive. Mick Brown claims the club has identified potential replacements to maintain defensive depth, especially with Emery's European ambitions. While Barça face financial hurdles under LaLiga's fair play rules, they view Torres as a realistic target, though not their only option. Alternatives include Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, whose contract expires in 2027 and could be available at a reduced fee.^[1]

Torres has featured regularly this season, contributing to Villa's solid backline that has conceded fewer goals than Barça's defence (31 in 23 games). A summer move could see him return to LaLiga, but Villa will demand a hefty fee given his pivotal role. As talks heat up, Emery's men aim to strike first with a new signing.^[1][2]

(Word count: 298)