Pau Torres looking worried towards a circle inset of Villa Park
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Wed 27 August 2025 11:40, UK
Pau Torres could force an Aston Villa exit before the end of the transfer window.
Torres joined the Villans from Villarreal back in 2023 as Unai Emery showcased his pull in his first summer in the dugout at Villa Park.
There were initially positive signs from the Spaniard, as the centre-back formed a strong partnership with Ezri Konsa at the heart of defence in B6.
The general feeling around the 28-year-old has grown negative in recent months, something that wasn’t helped after Torres struggled for Villa against Brentford last time out.
This showing could see Emery drop the defender from the starting XI on a more regular basis, something which could see Torres and his agent demand a departure from the Midlands before the window shuts.
Pau Torres
Credit: Imago
This article contains exclusive comments given to Villa News by former manager Martin Allen.
Pau Torres could now demand Aston Villa departure
On the opening day of the season, the 24-time Spanish international remained on the bench as Tyrone Mings was favoured from the start against Newcastle.
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The former Villarreal man wasn’t called upon in B6, even after Konsa was sent off for Villa after a last-man challenge on Anthony Gordon.
Torres did come in from the start against the Bees, but looks to have done his reputation more harm than good after a hugely frustrating performance in the capital.
Stat vs Brentford Pau Torres
Dribble success rate (%) 0
Tackles win rate (%) 50
Defensive actions 2
Duels lost 4
Dribbled past 1
Pau Torres has been slammed at Aston Villa for his showing vs Brentford
This could see Emery favour the likes of Mings or Lamare Bogarde going forward, something which could see Torres call time on his spell at Villa, especially after links to Saudi Arabia.
Ex-Premier League midfielder Allen believes the centre-half will be on the phone to his agent to organise an exit, should his gametime fall in the Midlands.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “If Emery doesn’t think he’s up to it, with these issues that were highlighted against Brentford, he may look to move him on.
“I think he can be a really good player, but there are complaints that he isn’t physical or strong enough.
“Emery could tell him that he won’t be involved as much as he wants. If that is the case, Torres could ring his agent and say, ‘Get me out of here.’
“Sometimes a manager can do that and send a message to the player about his level of performance.
“*Maybe the Saudi Arabia links could come back up, but only time will tell.*“
Aston Villa Pau Torres
Credit: Imago
Pau Torres is letting himself down at Aston Villa
In his debut campaign with Villa, there is no doubting that the Spaniard was one of the best centre-backs in the entirety of the Premier League.
Torres’ ability on the ball, whether that be progressive passes or carries, made Villa a machine when playing out from the back weekly.
Torres completed 1554 Premier League passes in 2023/24
This saw him also make 17 successful dribbles, while creating eight chances
The Spaniard went on to win 18 tackles and 79 duels in the same year
Although his talents when playing on the floor haven’t truly gotten worse, opposition attackers have regularly gotten the better of him physically.
This was the case most memorably up against Jean-Philippe Mateta and Crystal Palace at Wembley, before being outpaced with ease by Dango Ouattara against Brentford last time out.
Ultimately, this is hurting his reputation and is something that needs to change as quickly as possible before he is forced out of Villa Park in the near future.
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