'Show me they want me' - will World Cup hero Torres stay at Barcelona?

Ferran Torres will return to Barcelona later this month having cemented his name in the country's football folklore following his extra-time winner to seal Spain's second World Cup triumph.

His profile and marketability has significantly grown and those around him will be keen to ensure he makes the most of a career-defining moment.

But a summer dominated by World Cup celebrations has given way to transfer speculation, fuelled by the forward's own comments during a media tour in the United States.

The 26-year-old is under contract with Barcelona until June 2027 meaning, if he does not reach an agreement with the Catalan giants, Torres will be able to negotiate with another club as a free agent from January.

So, as Barcelona's players gradually report back for pre-season, does Spain's World Cup hero's future remain at the Nou Camp?

The uncertainty surrounding Torres' future has intensified following a series of high-profile television appearances in the United States for a promotional tour with his sportswear sponsor.

Asked where he expected to be playing next season, Torres replied: "I have a contract with Barcelona but, in football, you never know.

"We are waiting to make the right decision. Right now, all I know is that I have to be in training for Barcelona on 12 August. Let's see what happens."

Asked what Barcelona need to do to keep him, he said: "Show me they want me, come to negotiate."

Reflecting on his winner against Argentina in the World Cup final, he added: "I've watched it thousands of times. When I finished the game, I didn't remember the goal. It was unbelievable. I can't describe it with words."

The speculation only increased when he was asked directly about reported interest from Paris St-Germain.

"Every time these teams want you it's a good thing," Torres said. "You never know because in football everything can change in one minute, so I have to be ready for everything."

Asked how he would approach such a career-defining decision, Torres replied: "Trying to think what is going to make me happiest."

Torres' comments have frustrated many Barcelona supporters, who believe he has been too open about the possibility of leaving the club and attempting to strengthen his negotiating position.

Fans have also taken issue with what they see as his carefully chosen wording when discussing interest from other teams, particularly given that he has never established himself as a regular starter or consistently lived up to expectations since joining Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022.

Barcelona remain relaxed about Torres' situation despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future. They say they will speak to him when he returns to training, as planned.

He was not a regular starter under Hansi Flick last season and ended the campaign with 21 goals and three assists in 49 appearances.

But he is one of the club's most trusted and versatile attacking options, rotating primarily with Robert Lewandowski - who has since signed for Chicago Fire - as a central striker while also providing cover across the front three.

Barcelona are ultimately keen to extend his contract but any new agreement is expected to keep Torres within the existing wage structure rather than include a substantial salary increase.

Reports suggest the club would look to delay formal negotiations until September - after the transfer window has closed - so as not to affect Financial Fair Play calculations and their ability to do business during the current window.

Renewing Torres' deal would also reportedly trigger, external a payment of almost £7m to former club Manchester City, because of a clause included in his contract when he signed in the 2022 January transfer window.

Barcelona have received no formal offers for the Spain international although, as with any member of the squad, they would consider an offer if one were made.

PSG, managed by former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, remain interested in the forward and are monitoring developments closely as Barcelona prepare to present their proposal.

The forward may feel he heads into those negotiations from a position of strength.

They come with the club still seeking a long-term number nine solution, with a move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez remaining uncertain.

That means, following Lewandowski's departure at the end of his contract in June, Torres is the only senior Barcelona forward with significant experience of playing as a central striker.