Reports: Guardiola wants Barcelona star
What’s the rumour?
As per reports from AS, Pep Guardiola will try to tempt Andres Iniesta to join Manchester City this summer. The legendary midfielder is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season although there is no official word on his future yet.
In case you didn't know...
Without question, one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Andres Iniesta, who has spent more than two decades at Barcelona, is currently unsettled. He is one of La Masia's greatest ever products and is someone who is adored by the footballing world.
With almost 800 appearances for club and country, Iniesta is heading into the twilight of his career and is highly likely to leave Spain this summer.
The heart of the matter
Perhaps the manager who influenced Iniesta's game so much is Pep Guardiola and he is exploring the possibility of signing the midfielder in the summer transfer window.
The duo enjoyed 4 incredible seasons at Barcelona where Guardiola turned them into an all-conquering machine during that period. Iniesta has been widely linked with a move to China at the end of the season, but Guardiola is eyeing a possible reunion.
Iniesta, 33 years old now, has shown no signs of slowing down and has played a pivotal role in Barcelona's impending domestic double success this season. He has played 39 times for the Catalan club this season.
Rumour rating/probability - 6/10
A move to China seems likely but with various sources reporting City's interest, it's anyone's guess where Iniesta will end up, come next season.
Video: Iniesta in action this season
Author’s take
Age is not a factor for players who are blessed with so much talent like Iniesta and he still has a lot to offer before stepping down. He can earn so much more in China but may be tempted by the prospect of a possible reunion with Guardiola. If that happens, he will undoubtedly take City to the next level.