PSG sign World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona

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Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona.

ESPN had reported that Torres, who scored the winning goal in extra time as Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final last month, was given permission to miss Barcelona training this week as the deal progressed and he has now joined the European champions for a total package of around €50 million ($57.84m).

ESPN previously reported that the 26-year-old communicated to Barça last week his desire to join PSG, having already reached an agreement over personal terms. PSG boss Luis Enrique previously coached Torres when he was in charge of the Spanish national team.

"I've always said it: for me, Luis Enrique has been like a father figure in the world of football," Torres said after completing his move. "When I had the chance to train with him at international level, he always placed a lot of confidence in me.

"Today, having the chance to train under his guidance again makes me feel really excited and keen to get started on this project."

Barcelona were prepared to sanction Torres' exit this summer, with his deal at Camp Nou due to expire next summer.

In a range of interviews since winning the World Cup, Torres has made it increasingly clear that he is keen to join PSG. He called on Barça to "show me some love" if they wanted to keep him, hinting that he had a dream destination in mind.

"It's true that since we won the World Cup, everything has happened very quickly," he said. "We've had virtually no holiday to let it all sink in. But in the world of football, things move very quickly and we already need to focus on the new season.

"I'm joining an ambitious team and I need to rise to the challenge, help my teammates as much as possible and also try to bring a lot of joy to these wonderful supporters."

PSG were in the market for a new attacker after the departure of Gonçalo Ramos to AC Milan this summer, while Randal Kolo Muani, who was on loan at Tottenham last season, has joined Juventus permanently.

Ousmane Dembélé has been used centrally, but Luis Enrique is keen to add other options to his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Torres started his career as a winger but has been used primarily as a No. 9 during the last two seasons at Barcelona.

He netted 21 times in 49 appearances last year having scored 19 goals in 45 matches in the previous campaign.

Torres joined Barcelona from Manchester City in January 2022 and won seven trophies at the Catalan outfit: three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups.

The former Manchester City man's exit is likely to speed up Barça's pursuit of a striker after Robert Lewandowski joined the Chicago Fire.

ESPN have previously reported that Julián Álvarez is the club's top target, although Atlético Madrid's reluctance to lose the Argentine could force them to explore other options.

Information from ESPN's Moises Llorens, Sam Marsden and PA contributed to this story.