Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta is set to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe. The story, first reported by Spanish media outlet Cadena Ser and later ratified by ESPN suggests that the midfield maestro will put pen to paper on a three-year deal that will see the Spaniard bag $30 million annually.
Iniesta had earlier ruled out playing in Europe as it might lead to playing against Barcelona – a situation he is not keen on developing.
It is believed that Rakuten, the main sponsor of Barcelona reportedly had a huge role in the process as Hiroshi Mikitani, the owner of Vissel Kobe, is also the CEO of the company.
The news comes hot on the heels of Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan’s announcement that the Spaniard will not be joining the league due to financial reasons.
'Mr. Iniesta is in deep partnership with sports industrial sectors under our club's shareholding company, including sports agency, marketing and sales, and youth training,' Chongqing Lifan president Jiang Lizhang said.
'We won't rule out the possibility of deepening future cooperation in the Chinese market, but by no means it indicates that Mr. Iniesta will join our club as a player.'
Iniesta had also been linked with a move to the Australian A-League last week. However, it now looks like that the Vissel Kobe has netted one of the biggest names to play in the J-League.
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