Reports in Japan that Iniesta has signed for Vissel Kobe
Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta has agreed to sign for Vissel Kobe, according to a report in 'Sports Hochi', following on from the news that the midfielder will leave Barcelona.
The Japanese publication, a well-respected source for Asian sports news, has said that Iniesta has very recently confirmed the finer details on a deal that will see him sign for Kobe. The deal will be announced before the World Cup begins and could be announced next week.
"The transfer will be announced after Barcelona play their final league game of the season against Real Sociedad, after which he will just need to visit Japan," the paper said. It would also see Iniesta remain in close ties with the president of Rakuten (Barcelona's kit sponsor), Hiroshi Mikitani, who is also the president of Vissel Kobe.
However, a spokesperson for the club told 'Efe' that they did not have any information regarding the possible move. However, it is believed in the Japanese press that the link between the Rakuten president and the club has made it much easier to facilitate this transfer.
'Sports Honchi' went on to say that Iniesta would join up with the team after the World Cup. They are based in the city of Kobe and play at the Misaki Park stadium.