Javier Mascherano’s time at Barcelona is set to come to an end, with the Argentine on the verge of joining Hebei China Fortune in January.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune for the transfer of Javier Mascherano in the winter transfer window. The only thing holding the deal up is the fitness of Samuel Umtiti, whose return would pave the way for the Argentine’s move.
Mascherano joined Barcelona from Liverpool in the summer of 2010, and the move has since turned out to be extremely fruitful. The player has been quite the asset for the Blaugrana, with his ability to play in midfield as well as the heart of defence.
Apart from being a top performer for Barcelona, Mascherano has also enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at the club, winning 18 titles, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Javier Mascherano has agreed to join Hebei China Fortune F.C. from Barcelona, per @fczyz pic.twitter.com/KYyyguAxJI
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 18, 2017
But, game time has come at a premium since last season, with Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique the first-choice central defensive partnership, leaving him to be the third choice in the pecking order.
Mascherano himself has made it abundantly clear that he is still eager to play week-in week-out, despite being in the twilight years of his career. Ernesto Valverde has also remained adamant that the club will not stand in the player’s way, if he wishes to leave, and an exit from Camp Nou is set to happen soon.
Hebei China Fortune have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign the 33-year-old in the winter transfer window in a €10 million deal. But, there are a few minor details that need to be chalked out before Mascherano departs from Barcelona.
The most important clause in completion of the deal is the return of Samuel Umtiti from hamstring injury or Barcelona’s ability to secure the services of a centre-back – the likes of Daley Blind, Iker San Vicente, Yerry Mina and others are targets – whichever happens first.
Another minor detail is the player’s insurance, if the Argentina international plays in any game before his eventual move. What remains certain, as per the report, is that Mascherano’s illustrious time at Barcelona is coming to an end, with the Chinese Super League his next destination.
