World Cup Winner Linked With Manchester United & City Is A Target Of Japanese Club FC Tokyo

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez is set to finish his career in the Japanese league as Japanese newspaper Nikkan Sports reported that FC Tokyo could make a bid to bring the retired Spanish international to their club come January.

Although the 34-year old is contracted with the club until 2016, he could move in the next transfer window or in the summer. Barcelona signed Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic in the last transfer window as a replacement for Xavi who had announced in June that he’ll be departing the club. Consequently, he was being linked with New York City FC of the MLS and Qatari club Al-Arabi, but decided to stay put at Barcelona as new manager Luis Enrique wanted him at the club.

Reports in September had emerged that Xavi turned down a move to Manchester United in the summer as new manager Louis Van Gaal wanted to sign him back then. There were two Premier League clubs being linked with him again but now reports indicate that FC Tokyo could be in a good position to sign him as they are willing to pay a salary of £5.5m per year.

Despite his age, Xavi has gone on to make 10 appearances this season with 7 of them coming in the league. His impact on the pitch hasn’t reduced at all as he is still a key component in the Barcelona midfield whenever he plays. Since being promoted from the Barcelona B side in 1998, he has has made 688 appearances for the club. He was a key part of the Pep Guardiola side that won an unprecedented 6 trophies in the 2009 season and was the architect in his side’s successful implementation of the ‘tiki-taka’.

The addition of Xavi will be a huge attraction in the J-League and at the same time, it’ll be disappointing for the Premier League to miss out on such a decorated player.