Ajax reportedly target permanent deal for Barcelona left-back Jofre Torrents
The Amsterdam club are said to prefer a bonus-based transfer for the 19-year-old rather than the loan arrangement previously reported.
UnconfirmedThis report is based on Dutch media speculation and has not been confirmed by the clubs or players involved.
Ajax want to sign Barcelona left-back Jofre Torrents permanently, according to reporting relayed by Voetbalzone. The Amsterdam club are reportedly pursuing an initial free transfer instead of the loan move previously suggested by Mundo Deportivo.
Under the proposed structure, Ajax would pay no guaranteed fee up front. Performance-related bonuses devised by Jordi Cruijff could eventually take the total cost to €6 million. Voetbalzone reports that Ajax would owe nothing if the 19-year-old failed to meet the relevant targets or suffered an injury.
Barcelona had initially been open to sending Torrents out on loan. The Catalan club reportedly view the youth international as a player with significant potential and wanted him to gain senior experience elsewhere. Ajax, however, are now said to favour taking him on a permanent basis.
Torrents, a left-footed defender, was involved with Barcelona’s first team during pre-season and received opportunities from head coach Hansi Flick. He started at left-back in a friendly against Birmingham two weeks before the report. Despite that involvement, competition for places is expected to restrict his prospects of regular first-team football in Catalonia during the coming season. No completed agreement or official club announcement is reported.
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