Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is on the verge of signing for Emirates Club on a free transfer.
Iniesta will sign a one-year deal which will keep him at the UAE club until 2024, with the option of a further year.
Andres Iniesta left Vissel Kobe at the end of the 2022/23 season, halting his 5-year stint with the club.
He made 134 appearances for the Japanese side, scoring 26 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions.
The future of the Spaniard became uncertain following his emotional departure from Vissel Kobe as his next destination wasn’t known.
Iniesta was linked with a possible move to Inter Miami, which would have seen him reunite with several of his former teammates at Barcelona, but he has opted to remain in Asia.
The 39-year-old will become the 7th signing of Emirates Club this summer, having already signed Uros Vitas, Fahad Sebil, Salim Al-Rawahi, Salim Ali Ibrahim, Al-Sanousi Al-Hadi and Luan Alemão.
Emirates Club are returning to the UAE Pro League, having gained promotion to the top flight after their exploits in the second tier last season.
Mohammed Al Jalboot’s side are looking to finish in a comfortable position in the upcoming season and they are making needed signings to ensure that.
They kick start their 2023/24 season with an away game against Al Wasl on the 19th of August 2023.
Andres Iniesta might feature in that game barren any unforseen circumstances that could lead to his absence.
Andres Iniesta edges closer to signing for Emirates Club
Iniesta arrived in Ras Al Khaimah on Monday, August 8, 2023, as he edges closer to sealing the deal with the United Arab Emirates club.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner will earn about €8 million per season at Emirates Club, which is €2 million higher than his salary at his former club, Vissel Kobe.
Andres Iniesta saw his game time drastically reduce at Vissel Kobe last season and that led to his exit from the side.
The 39-year-old made 6 appearances, scoring no goal and providing no assist across all competitions.
Iniesta will be bringing his massive wealth of experience to the Ras Al Khaimah based club as they battle for top honours next season.
The Spaniard apparently doesn’t want to retire yet and he looks pumped for a new challenge in the Gulf country.
Andres Iniesta has made 808 appearances in his career, scoring 83 goals and providing 162 assists across all competitions.
He has also won several trophies in his lengthy career which has spanned over two decades, including; 9 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League and 1 FIFA World Cup.
Emirates Club brief overview
Emirates Club is a professional football club in the United Arab Emirates and they currently play in the UAE Pro League.
Who is the Manager of Emirates Club?
The club is managed by Mohammed Al Jalboot.
Emirates Club stadium and stadium capacity?
They play their home games at the Emirates Club Stadium and it is a 5,200 capacity stadium.
When was the club founded?
Emirates Club was founded in 1969 and they were previously known as Oman Club.
Emirates Club nickname?
The nickname of United Arab Emirates club is Falcons.
Emirates Club trophies?
They have won several trophies, namely; 6 UAE Division One titles, 1 UAE President Cup, and 1 UAE Super Cup.
Emirates Club all-time top scorer?
The top goalscorer for the club is Argentine forward Sebastián Sáez and he scored 24 goals in 47 appearances.
