New Owners, same old story - What now for Fernando Torres? (Part 2)
Continental giants in the likes of Chelsea and Inter Milan will gladly take the Spaniard on their pay cheque. At 26 years of age, Torres has arguably his best years ahead of him. With Liverpool battling for survival, their chances of finishing fourth are
as big as Emile Heskey winning the Ballon d’Or. We can safely establish that the number 9 jersey at Liverpool will be up for grabs next season.
We now look at the possible destinations for Fernando Torres should he make his move.
Chelsea FC
The riches of Roman Abramovich are no secret. The Russian gets the player he wants and Torres certainly fits the bill. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka both are in the twilights of their respective careers. Drgoba’s case is certainly a peculiar one. The
Ivorian hit man continues to defy his age with performances of the highest quality. Even at 32, the Chelsea forward is a world-class athlete and definitely one of the best strikers in the world. Sadly, his time at Chelsea is at an end.
For all his exploits, Nicolas Anelka is no match for a fully fit Torres. Anelka’s big match pedigree is also in question. The Les Blues outlaw easily dominates weaker oppositions but Chelsea always turn to their bulky Ivorian talisman whenever they face
a European giant.
Torres would be a welcome addition and Ancelotti would love to partner the striker upfront with Drogba.
Inter Milan
The reigning European Champions have the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito scoring for them. Diego Milito was the best striker in the world last season as his 30 goals won Nerazzuri a historic treble. This season has been a completely different chapter
for the Argentine. The forward has lost his form, his confidence and his fitness. At 31 years of age, the player doesn’t have a lot of football left in him.
Inter Milan also sold mercurial Mario Balotelli to Manchester City and failed to purchase a decent replacement. Massimo Morrati would love to buy Torres and partner him upfront with Samuel Eto’o. With finances not being an issue for the president, the transfer
is very much likely to happen.
FC Barcelona
A potential transfer to Catalunya will see Torres partner his La Furia Roja accomplice David Villa upfront. With Barcelona recently disclosing a 453 million Euro debt on their books, it is debatable whether they can spare in excess of 40 million Euros for
the Spaniard. Also, Los Cules play a 4-3-3 formation that accommodates only one striker. With the likes of Bojan and David Villa gunning for the lone striking role, Torres would face competition.
Even if Villa takes a wing position in the forward trident, Andres Iniesta will have to be moved to the midfield. Such a move will result in the team losing all its balance. Barca doesn’t need Torres and they are unlikely to do a ‘Galactico’ with Torres.
Real Madrid
El Nino is a lifelong Atletico Madrid fan and thus grew up with the hatred for Real Madrid. Torres has openly stated in the past that he will never move to Real Madrid. However, the Jose Mourinho factor cannot be discounted. The Portuguese tactician has
made it no secret that he needs reinforcements in the striking department. Torres’ arrival might see Karim Benzema leave the club. The deal will not cost Real Madrid much as a Benzema-Torres swap deal isn’t totally out of question.
Florentino Perez likes collecting trophies with his Los Galacticos and Fernando Torres certainly fits the bill. They say ‘Never say Never’; the lure of Bernabeau and Jose Mourinho might prove too much for a disheartened Fernando.
Conclusion
One can certainly rule out a move to Catalunya as Barcelona look to monitor their financial health. The switch to Real Madrid is highly unlikely but anything can happen in football, remember Luis Figo’s transfer to Real Madrid?
Inter Milan and Chelsea are the favourites to land the Spanish sensation. Carlo Ancelotti has his eyes set on Los Rojiblancos’ forward Sergio Aguero and should he manage to sign the forward, it is highly unlikely he will move for Torres. That leaves Inter
Milan as the clear favourites for the Spaniard’s sensation.
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