Manchester City identify La Liga star as Ferran Torres replacement

Manchester City have identified Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal as a potential replacement for Barcelona-bound Ferran Torres, reports Fichajes.

The Catalan giants have all but sealed the signing of Ferran Torres for €55 million, despite their financial troubles. Xavi Hernandez wants a flexible forward who can create and score goals in equal measure to help Barcelona finish in the top four and that makes Torres a perfect fit.

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will miss an important player in Torres, who was doing so well in a false 9 position before sustaining a metatarsal injury in October. Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of the Sky Blues signing a striker in the winter transfer window, despite failing to add a replacement for all-time top goalscorer Sergio Aguero.

However, Fichajes claims that the Man City boss could take a dip in the January transfer window to replace the outgoing Torres and has set his sights on Mikel Oyarzabal.

Mikel Oyarzabal, 24, has become one of La Liga’s top forwards in recent years, assisting and scoring goals at a consistent rate for Real Sociedad. A tally of 73 goals and 46 assists in 258 appearances for the Basque club demonstrates the Spanish international’s pedigree at the highest level, and while he isn’t as flexible as Torres, he has the qualities to thrive in an exciting Man City side.

The 24-year-old has been in good nick since the start of the 2021/22 La Liga season, registering nine goals and an assist in 19 outings across all competitions, including seven-goal contributions in 13 league games.

The report concludes by suggesting that Real Sociedad are aware of the Cityzens interest in Mikel Oyarzabal and look prepared to negotiate his potential exit as well next month. However, they are unwilling to compromise from the €75 million valuation of their prized asset, meaning Man City would have to pay that rumoured sum to bag the Spanish winger’s signature.