Ferran Torres has tested positive for Covid-19 just hours after being unveiled by Barcelona following a £55m signing from Manchester City.
The 21-year-old Spain international has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, which is understood to be worth an initial £46.7million, and a further £8.5m in potential add-ons. Barca have set a €1billion (£841million) buyout clause into the deal.
Torres had hoped to be back in action for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Real Madrid on January 12, but his debut could be delayed after the Catalan club announced he had tested positive for Covid-19 along with team-mate Pedri.
A Barca statement on Monday evening read: ‘Pedri and Ferran Torres have tested positive for Covid-19. The players are in good health and are isolated at home.’
Torres was presented at the Nou Camp on Monday morning and spoke of having his focus set firmly on taking LaLiga giants back to their former glories.
‘I am facing this challenge with ambition, humility, and a lot of desire,’ he said.
‘When I left Manchester City I had the idea of coming back to LaLiga and Barca showed an interest. I am an ambitious player and I like a challenge. I want to take Barca back to where it belongs.’
Torres signed for City from Valencia in the summer of 2020 for £20.9m, but spent just 16 months at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 16 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions.