Andres Iniesta is reportedly set for a move to Japan after Chongqing Dangdai Lifan announced they would not be signing the Barcelona midfielder.
Chongqing appeared to confirm Iniesta’s arrival less than a month ago, but the Chinese club released a statement on Monday night, explaining why a deal had fallen through.
“The club will insist on investing rationally and will not go against the Federation’s spending policy or distort the market. We will deepen our co-operation with Andres Iniesta, but he will not join us as a player,” it read.
Consequently, Japanese side Vissel Kobe look to have swooped in for the veteran, with Cadena SER claiming he will sign a three-year contract.
The broadcaster also expects him to front an academy in Japan, which will be run by Barca coaches and based on La Masia, before returning to Camp Nou in a non-playing capacity.
Vissel, for their part, are owned by Rakuten, who became the Catalans’ sponsors last summer.
