Aussie clubs in race for Iniesta
A-LEAGUE clubs have shown interest in signing Andres Iniesta, Football Federation Australia chief executive David Gallop says.
Iniesta has been linked with moves to China, Japan and Australia since announcing he would not join another European side after leaving Barcelona.
The Spanish legend confirmed “all possibilities are open”. But Australia’s chances of snaring such a big fish with FFA’s modest new $3 million war chest appear slim.
Yet hours after J-League club Vissel Kobe appeared to back away from reports of an offer worth ¤25 million a season, Gallop revealed FFA means business and said there were clubs willing to top up any potential offer.
“I won’t name who but I do
understand that A-League clubs have expressed interest, and that’s a start,” Gallop said.
“He’ll have offers from around the globe but the ALeague offers a great competition to play in and the Australian lifestyle, and we saw with Del Piero and others that that is an attraction.
“It would require a significant investment, primarily from one of our clubs, but
we’ve got some funds available as well and if we can contribute – it would be a contribution, not the bulk of what he could earn – then we think it’s money well spent.”
Iniesta addressed the speculation, revealing there are still “little details” to resolve before he decides on his next club.
“I said that I would not go to Europe and apart from that all possibilities are open,” Iniesta told beIN Sports after Barcelona thumped Villarreal 5-1.
“They said I’m not going to China, now they say Japan is an option and I’ve also heard Australia.
“You will know when I tell you. There are things to seal, little details and I will try to choose the best option.”
Gallop’s comments come as the chiefs of four clubs, understood to be Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers, met A-League chief Greg O’Rourke yesterday.
The quartet are believed to be in the market for big-name players next season and were set to discuss their budgets and how the funds, provided by Fox Sports, will be used.
FFA said it would draw up a list of targets and float desired names with clubs, who could also approach the governing body with their own targets.