This summer, Tottenham Hotspur wanted to revamp its backline, and one of the targets that the north London-based club is Villarreal CF central defender Pau Torres. However, the move for the Spain international never occurred.
In an interview with El Confidencial, Torres admits to turning down Tottenham in a move that would have doubled his salary if he decided to leap the Premier League; however, the 24-year-old explained his decision to remain with the Yellow Submarine.
“In the end, it was more difficult for me to play the Champions League with my hometown team. In a year in which the national team has important challenges, and when you make changes, you don’t know how it will go,” Torres said.
“It was clear to me that it was a year to enjoy the Champions League with Villarreal, close to my family. It is the fourth time that Villarreal plays the Champions League, and it is what excited me the most.”
Torres also discussed whether Villarreal faced pressure to accept the offer from the Premier League club.
“At no time. From minute one, [Villarreal] told me that whatever I decided they would respect. I am very happy at home. I have a contract until 2024, and what is best for everyone, we will see,” Torres said.
Tottenham would land a central defender on their list as they aimed to find a player that could anchor its defense for years to come. Managing Director of Football Fabio Paratici paid €50 million with a further €5 million in add-ons for Cristian Romero, who went from Atalanta to north London this summer.
It will be interesting to see whether Torres made the right decision to remain in Spain considering the issues going on with Tottenham at the moment.
