What does the future hold for Fernando Torres
Injured as we speak, rumors have been going around that El Nino wil probably leave Liverpool. Many questions are coming out concerning his near future. Many European clubs are closely following the Spanish striker who might not even participate in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Will he be in the World Cup
Torres not being in the World Cup is a scenario that Spain would like to avoid. But Fernando Torres` presence is far from being guaranteed with a good month left before the beginning of the tournament. He picked up his injury during the Europa League quarter-final against Benfica. He then went for a knee surgery and his return date is still unknown and almost a national secret. This also puts in doubt Fernando Torres` presence for Spain`s first game in the World Cup against Switzerland on June 16th. With this information, Vincente Del Bosque has a puzzle to solve and is scratching his head to find a partner or not for David Villa. Will he select an injured player and risk to lose a spot if Torres never plays? Or will he dare and not select one of the world`s best striker and face Spain`s wrath if his injury ends up being not as serious as expected? Time is something that Del Bosque does not have a lot of with less than 40 days before the World Cup.
Will he stay in Liverpool?
Another unknown is added to the Torres equation: will he stay in Liverpool? Liverpool looks pretty small for the spanish striker. Liverpool was eliminated from the Champions League in the group phase, in the Europa League semi-final, is out of the EPL title and will not be participating in next year`s Champions League. The club`s financial turmoil has Liverpool owe 270 millions euros and is up for sale. The new potential new owner and his decisions in recruitment and investment will have an effect on who stays and who leaves Anfield Road. Speculation around Rafael Benitez`s futur at the club has also surfaced as the Spanish manager seems frustrated by a lack of funds to buy the players he needs. Rumors are sending Benitez to Juventus which would make Torres happy. Rumors have been flying around that Torres did not have a great relationship with Benitez and a coach change might suit him. As long as the team is competitive, chances are that El Nino will stay at Liverpool.
Where will he go? Potential destinations
A player of Fernando Torres`s caliber will interest virtually every club in the world. Since the rumors of his departure from Liverpool have started, even crazier rumors around his transfer have been heard. The oscar for biggest transfer could potentially go to Chelsea: it has been said that 150 millions euros were proposed for Torres` service. As much as the numbers sound ridiculous and ludicrous, the rumor sending Torres to Chelsea is to be taken seriously. Manchester City is rumored to be ready to put 60 to 70 millions euros to get the services of the 26 year-old, Spanish international and Euro 2008 star. Both Manchester City and Chelsea have the means to afford Torres and to match what Liverpool will ask. As long as there is a Champions League participation for next year, the club will have a chance to get Torres.
Even a comeback to Spain has been rumored and Barcelona is the club interested in Torres. El Nino`s name will be thrown in Barcelona`s presidential election talk. He who promises Torres will become Barcelona`s president.
Fernando Torres and his agent will be busy reading offers from many clubs this summer.
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