Transfer News: Juventus rival Barcelona for Ander Herrera

Barcelona and Juventus are reportedly in a transfer tussle to sign 32-year-old Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera from Paris Saint-Germain.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ander Herrera could leave Paris Saint-Germain in next summer’s transfer window. The 32-year-old midfielder has three prospective suitors, with Barcelona, Juventus and Athletic Bilbao keen on securing his services.

Ander Herrera joined Paris Saint-Germain from Manchester United on a free transfer in July 2019 and has since been a reliable asset for the club. The Spaniard’s stature has risen gradually at Parc des Princes, and he has featured prominently for the Ligue 1 heavyweights this season.

The 32-year-old has made 20 appearances in all competitions thus far, chipping in with four goals and two assists in the process. However, Herrera’s future at the Ligue 1 club is uncertain, with a departure in the summer transfer window likely. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona and Juventus.

The interest from Barcelona is somewhat surprising, considering Herrera is well into his thirties. On top of that, the report claims he is being eyed as a possible replacement for Frenkie de Jong. While the Catalan giants do have several inexperienced players, Herrera will only be a short-term solution for them.

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On the other hand, Juventus’s need for a midfielder has been accentuated by the struggles of Aaron Ramsey and Arthur, with the duo deemed surplus to requirements at the Allianz Stadium. In addition, Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie also face uncertain futures at Juventus, which is why the Italian giants have been linked with several midfielders, including Jorginho.

In addition to Barcelona and Juventus, Herrera is also a target for former club Athletic Bilbao. And realistically, a return to San Mames is a likelier possibility than joining Barcelona or Juventus if and when he leaves PSG next summer.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if Barcelona and Juventus launch the offensive for the 32-year-old ahead of the 2022/23 season. For now, Herrera faces the prospect of leaving the Ligue 1 club on a possible cut-price deal in next summer’s transfer window, with interest in him ramping up from clubs across Europe.