A-League clubs keen to sign Iniesta, says Australian football chief

SYDNEY: Top A-League clubs have expressed interest in signing departing Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta (pic) for the next season, Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive David Gallop has said.

The 33- year- old midfielder announced last month that he would leave Spanish champions Barcelona at the end of the season after 16 trophy-filled years at Nou Camp.

The Spain international was linked to Chinese side Chongqing Dangdai Lifan but no deal has materialised and media reports now speculate the midfielder might head to Japan or the United States.

J-League side Vissel Kobe’s head of player development Atsuhiro Miura, however, has denied that Iniesta had agreed to join the Japanese team owned by Barcelona’s sponsor Rakuten, leaving room for Australian clubs to make a move.

Miura insisted that reports of club president Hiroshi Mikitani had offered the Spanish World Cup winner a three-year deal and a salary of US$30mil (RM120mil) were wide of the mark.

“I’m amazed, I haven’t heard anything about that,” Miura was quoted as saying.

“To be honest, that amount of money doesn’t seem realistic to me. If he actually came he would be incredible – but it’s not realistic.”

FFA chief Gallop admitted interest from Australian football chiefs in bringing Iniesta to the A-League.

“I won’t name who but I do understand that A-League clubs have expressed interest, and that’s a start,” Gallop said yesterday.

“He’ll have offers from around the globe but the A-League offers a great competition to play in and the Australian lifestyle ... 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.”

According to Australian media reports, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers are interested to sign Iniesta.

“I said that I would not go to Europe and apart from that all possibilities are open,” Iniesta told beIN Sports after Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over Villarreal on Wednesday.

“You will know when I tell you. There are things to seal, little details and I will try and choose the best option.”