Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a shock move to sign Andres Iniesta from Barcelona before the end of the transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Andres Iniesta is the subject of interest from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is eager to be reunited with his former charge at Camp Nou, and is set to sanction an audacious swoop for the Barcelona captain.
Iniesta is the epitome of what Barcelona is as a club and their La Masia academy represent in football. Joining the club almost 21 years ago as a 12-year-old, the player rapidly progressed through the ranks at their fabled academy before breaking into the senior side in 2002.
Since then, Iniesta has embarked on one of the most storied careers in the game, having been one of the cornerstones of the unprecedented success that both Barcelona and Spain have enjoyed in the last decade.
The 33-year-old has amassed more than 700 career appearances, laying his hands on every trophy there is to win at the club and international levels. However, the player, who is rightly regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time, has uncertainty surrounding his Barcelona future, with less than 12 months remaining on his current deal.
With no progress on a renewal, Iniesta has admitted that he is seriously considering his future at Camp Nou. And one of his former managers, Pep Guardiola, is keen on prising him away from the Catalan club this summer.
The Manchester City boss has been busy in the current transfer window, signing five players to address problems in defence and attack. But, midfield remains an area of slight concern for the Spanish manager.
Fernandinho has been a solid customer at the centre of the park for the Citizens in the last few seasons. But, the Brazilian blew hot and cold last season. Meanwhile, Yaya Toure has also shown signs of slowing down with age. Additionally, Ilkay Gundogan’s injury woes have left Guardiola short on quality in midfield.
Therefore, the Manchester City boss is seeking a move for Iniesta, who knows his system inside out. The two enjoyed some of the best years of their respective careers during Guardiola’s managerial spell at Camp Nou, dominating European football and winning 14 major trophies in four years.
While Iniesta will, by all means, be just a short-term signing, the veteran midfielder’s know-how of Guardiola’s philosophy could help the Spaniard mould the Manchester City squad in his image, thus making him an astute signing.
And, with the 33-year-old already placing his Barcelona future under a cloud, a move to Etihad could be on the cards. It now remains to be seen if Guardiola succeeds in his pursuit of Iniesta, or if the player continues at Camp Nou this season.
