Pau Torres was a player tipped to make the move to Tottenham last summer, but the defender turned down the transfer. However, Spurs' interest in the 25-year-old has been sparked again ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
football.london understands that Torres is one of the centre-backs on Antonio Conte's wishlist, being a left-footed player who would provide the Italian with more defensive options. Alessandro Bastoni is another left-footed centre-back who had been heavily linked with a move to Spurs, although securing a deal for the defender now seems very unlikely, with his agent confirming on Wednesday that he will remain at Inter Milan.
Last season, Torres made 33 La Liga appearances for Villarreal, scoring five goals and registering an assist. The defender also featured 12 times in the Champions League, which his side got to the semi-finals of and was likely to be one reason he opted to remain in his home country last season.
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However, Spurs can now not only offer Torres the opportunity to work under a world-class coach, but Tottenham's top-four finish means they will return to the Champions League for the 2022/23 campaign. Not only could this attract the 25-year-old to make the move to the capital, previous comments on the defender highlight why he would be a player Conte wants in his side.
"Pau Torres is an amazing player – I think he’s top. I’ve been a coach in Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and I’ve never seen a centre back like Pau Torres," Unai Emery told football.london last year.
"I think he's going to play at the highest level, he's playing now in the national team but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon."
Last season, this praise was echoed by Owen Hargreaves. "He’s a fantastic player. I’m quite surprised he’s still at Villarreal. English teams were looking at him," he explained.
"I think everyone was talking about Man United and even Real Madrid, I think his potential is literally that high. He’s got a fabulous left foot, he’s great in possession. A fantastic player so I don’t think he’ll be at Villarreal very long."
This change in location may happen this summer with Tottenham amongst a number of other clubs, including Man United, reportedly interested in the Spanish international. Torres could be the perfect fit for Conte's side, with the 25-year-old's previous coaches outlining what he can bring to a team.
Paco Lopez, who was once manager of Villarreal B, saw not only the defender's talent but also his progression. "Pau fits perfectly in teams which want to play out from the back, with coaches who think that way," the 54-year-old told The Athletic last year, explaining that he could see Torres' personality on the ball.
Conte has a very regimented way of managing and setting up his sides, which has already been seen in his short time at Tottenham. The Italian quickly implemented his 3-4-3 formation, which the Lilywhites squad have adapted to well, with many of them seeing great improvements in their performances.
This involves utilising the wing-backs down the flanks and Spurs have been playing as more of a team, starting their attacks, right from the defence. Lopez's comments indicate that this is a set-up the 25-year-old could slot into and therefore could benefit Conte's system.
Javi Calleja, another ex-Villarreal manager and the coach who gave Torres his La Liga debut, also complimented the defender on his ability. "One of the important moments in his career was when he went [on loan] to Malaga," he explained.
"That helped him to develop that aggression and intensity and forcefulness that people had often said he lacked when he was younger. He has an enormous potential, has no limits, can reach wherever he wants."
Both aggression and intensity are two qualities that are required from Conte's squad and Spurs are preparing for a tough pre-season with the Italian, ahead of his first full campaign in north London. Another way Tottenham could find a way to secure a deal for Torres, is involving Giovani Lo Celso in a swap deal.
The Argentine spent the second half of the season with Villarreal, making 16 La Liga appearances. The short loan spell means Lo Celso is set to return to N17 this summer.
However, before the 26-year-old left, he was struggling to find a regular spot in Conte's side and this isn't likely to improve, with even more incomings expected this summer. Therefore it may be best for both Lo Celso and Tottenham, if the Argentine made the move elsewhere.
If there was an option for the midfielder to make a permanent move to Villarreal, Spurs may try and figure out a way to also move Torres to north London, something Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday, a similar case to when Erik Lamela left last summer and Tottenham welcomed Bryan Gil. Only time will tell what decisions are made regarding both incomings and outgoings in N17, but with previous comments made about the 25-year-old, Torres could be a great addition to Conte's squad.
