Villarreal is already starting to move in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/2026 season. After a season of ups and downs, Marcelino García Toral has identified a possible sensitive departure that would force the club to react quickly. Álex Baena's continuity is not guaranteed, and his possible departure opens a very important gap in the Asturian coach's scheme.
Baena, one of the great revelations of Spanish soccer, has been key in the yellow midfield. His versatility, vision, and ability to break lines have caught the attention of several clubs, especially from abroad. If a convincing offer arrives, Villarreal could be forced to accept and look for a reliable replacement.
This is where Barcelona comes in, aware of the talent the blaugrana club has in its squad, and Marcelino has already put an interesting name on the table. It is a young profile, with hunger, technique, and who would not clash at all with the offensive style of the Yellow Submarine. Marcelino is clear that he is a footballer who can help his team a lot and can bring out a great version of him.
Pablo Torre joins Villarreal
The one chosen by Marcelino is none other than Pablo Torre, the young Cantabrian attacking midfielder who belongs to Barça and who was on loan last season at Girona CF. Although he has had minutes, the footballer wants to be important and have continuity in a serious project. Villarreal offers him that and more: prominence, trust, and a play style that perfectly suits his characteristics.
Trained at Racing de Santander, Pablo Torre made the leap to FC Barcelona as one of the great promises of Spanish soccer. However, the fierce competition in the culé squad and the lack of opportunities have stalled his progression. Flick didn't give him too many opportunitiesand now, his future is once again hanging in the air.
Baena leaves with Simeone
At 22 years old, Torre is looking for a project that allows him to finally take off, and Villarreal, with a young and dynamic squad, represents an ideal environment. Marcelino wants to turn him into the new organizer of the team, giving him stripes and freedom in the final third. The coach sees him as a player capable of assuming the creative role that would be left vacant by Álex Baena's departure to Atlético.
Meanwhile, at Barça, they do not rule out a departure, although the club values his potential, there are other priorities, and Pablo Torre could be part of a beneficial operation for all parties. The option of a loan with a purchase option is the most appealing to Villarreal. A transfer with a buy-back clause is also considered, a common formula at Camp Nou to not completely lose their talents.
The operation, however, will depend on several factors, the first being Baena's decision about his future. The second is Barça's sports planning under the new coach, who will have to decide whether or not to count on Torre. And the third is the player's own approval, who is clear that he will only move if the project guarantees him quality minutes.