FC Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera in the summer.
According to Lluis Miguelsanz of Catalunya media outlet Sport, Barcelona are looking to bring back Ander Herrera to Spain next season, due to his exceptional performances in the league for Manchester United.
Manager Ernesto Valverde announced a few days ago that he has resigned from his post as Athletic Bilbao boss, and the Spanish press are speculating he will take over the reigns from Luis Enrique, who will be vacating his role as Barcelona boss.
Herrera, who is a former Bilbao player, was always regarded highly by Valverde, and he is now looking to work with the Spanish midfielder once again, but this time at one of the best clubs in Europe in FC Barcelona.
The Catalan giants signed Andre Gomes in the summer, but he has not lived up to his billing, and has struggled to nail down a first-team berth at the club. Ever present midfielder Andres Iniesta is nearing the end of his career, and it may be time for Barcelona to rope in a like-for-like replacement.
While Herrera is more of a defensive minded player and is not up to Iniesta’s level as yet, he could learn a lot and improve as a footballer if he decides to switch boats and move to the Camp Nou in the summer after enjoying his best season at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho.
The former Chelsea boss did not see the Spain international as a first-team regular at the start of the season, but was impressed with him as the season progressed which saw Herrera make a total of 31 league appearances.
It may seem a tempting venture to move to Barcelona, but Herrera is understood to be happy and content at the club, and will be looking to challenge for the league title next year after winning three trophies this season.
Also, Mourinho has ingrained his philosophies on the player, who he seems to trust a lot, and is unlikely to let go of in the summer. The Portuguese sees him as a short-term heir to Michael Carrick, and is one of his first names on the team sheet.
The 27-year-old ended the season on a high after picking up the Man of the Match award in United’s 2-0 triumph over Ajax in the Europa League final. With Champions League football on the cards next year, Herrera may have all that he is looking for at the Manchester outfit.
Reports in April suggested that Mourinho is looking to hand the player a contract extension at the club and offering him wages of £120,000-a-week. Now with Champions League football guaranteed, the club could make an announcement in the foreseeable future.
