Ferran Torres faced the new season with excitement and the conviction that he would be an important player. After a brilliant end to the season, with decisive goals and outstanding performances, he had earned everyone's respect. However, what happened this summer completely dismantled his plans.
Last year did not start well for the Valencian striker, who barely counted for Hansi Flick. With hard work and patience, he managed to turn the situation around, earning a place as the main alternative to Robert Lewandowski. That growth made it seem that the next step would be to become an undisputed pillar.
The promises that built trust
From the sporting management, Deco told him that the new project would give him more prominence than ever. Flick also told him that he fit perfectly into his system and that he was counting on him. These words reinforced his decision to stay at Barça, rejecting offers from other teams.
Ferran was convinced that the summer would serve to strengthen his role in the squad. However, the preseason began to show signs that did not match what he had been promised. New signings and tactical changes began to alter the balance in the Barça attack.
The key moment came during the Joan Gamper Trophy, an ideal showcase to earn the coach's trust. With Lewandowski injured, it seemed the perfect opportunity for Ferran to take the starting spot. However, Flick's plan went in another direction.
The most unexpected blow
The German coach chose to start one of the most high-profile signings of the summer up front. This decision made it clear that the order of preference in the attack had completely changed. Ferran had to settle for watching much of the match from the bench.
That move surprised even some players, who thought the Valencian would have more weight at the start of this season. The new forward's performance made it clear that he could also deliver as an attacking reference. This makes Ferran's chances of regaining his place even more complicated.
The situation is an emotional blow for a player who had strongly committed to staying in Barcelona. On a sporting level, he now faces a much less favorable scenario than he imagined in July. The most frustrating thing is that he feels he was not clearly told what was going to happen.
An attack with few open windows
The competition in Barça's attacking area is fierce and leaves little room for error. Lewandowski remains the main reference, while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal seem untouchable on the wings. The newcomer has shown that he can play in any of those positions with guarantees.
Ferran, who previously saw himself as the first replacement for the Pole, now doesn't even have that role secured. Flick values his work, but prefers a more vertical and physical profile to lead the attack. The Valencian is aware that he needs a game-changing moment to alter the dynamic.
The league debut against Mallorca will be a new trial by fire to measure the true order of hierarchy. With Lewandowski still out, the coach will have to choose who leads the line. That decision could set the course for the season for the blue-and-red number 7.
The outcome that explains everything
In the locker room, several teammates comment that they have seen him more serious and reserved since the start of preseason. Broken promises and the lack of clear explanations have created an obvious sense of disappointment. He knows that if he is not a starter now, it will be very difficult to turn the situation around later.
Everything has a reason: the place Ferran once occupied now belongs to Marcus Rashford. The Englishman, the star signing of the summer, has earned Flick's complete trust. For the Valencian, this means that the desired prominence has become an uphill battle.