Barcelona line up Christian Eriksen as Andres Iniesta considers China move

David Cooper - Writer 12:42 16/02/2018
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  • Christian Eriksen

    The summer transfer window is months away but the rumour mill never comes to a standstill.

    Clubs work around the year, laying the ground work for transfers and rightly so, given there’s a lot of money involved.

    Here, we look at the top headlines doing the rounds in Europe on Friday.

    ANDRES INIESTA

    After 16 years in Barcelona’s first team, Andres Iniesta’s influence is on the wane. The 33-year-old can no longer play a starring role for the La Liga giants and instead of occupying their bench, the decorated midfielder could be on the look out for a new challenge.

    Sport claim Iniesta has received a lucrative offer to make the switch to the Chinese Super League in the summer. Barcelona are ready to respect the club legend’s wishes and allow him to leave but Ernesto Valverde is reluctant as he still sees the Spaniard playing a role in his squad.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    Iniesta is no longer crucial to Barcelona and the team can do without him but it’s not as if he wouldn’t be useful. He may not be able to play every week but if used sparingly, can still make a big difference. You’d think a 33-year-old Iniesta can take on a bigger challenge than a move to China but for someone who’s won everything in the game, perhaps a nice payday to sign off with has its own appeal. 50/50 really.

    Andres Iniesta

    Andres Iniesta

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

    With Iniesta’s celebrated career at Barcelona approaching its conclusion, the club have earmarked Christian Eriksen as a prime candidate to replace the Spanish legend.

    The Dane was heavily linked with La Blaugrana prior to his move to Tottenham in 2013. Following his excellent form for the Premier League outfit though, most recently starring against Juventus in the Champions League, the Catalans have reignited their interest, Mundo Deportivo claims. At 26, he is seen as Iniesta’s natural successor.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    Even in the event that Iniesta stays put for another season, Eriksen would be a welcome addition at Camp Nou. While Lionel Messi’s remarkable playmaking ability has brought them along, the midfield’s crying out for someone capable of dictating play and the Dane is just the man for the job. It would be a dream move for Eriksen who’s always harboured ambitions of playing for Barcelona.

    Christian Eriksen

    Christian Eriksen

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