Reports: Barcelona to make shock £55 million move for Manchester United midfielder

What’s the story?

Barcelona are close to sealing a £55 million shock deal for Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera according to reports in Spanish publication Don Balon. The 27-year-old Spaniard has been in fine form for Jose Mourinho’s side and his performances have reportedly impressed Barcelona chiefs who are desperate to strengthen their midfield for the next season.

The Catalan giants’ woeful performances in the Champions League have led the board to have a hard think about their squad and with Iniesta now 32 and not at his best, Barcelona are desperate to sign Herrera along with Verratti in the transfer window.

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Will the Spaniard be playing at Camp Nou next season?

Herrera has quickly grown to become one of the most important players in Jose Mourinho’s squad. With one goal and three assists in his last 4 matches, the Spaniard is the midfield engine at Old Trafford and the Catalan giants are desperate to sign the combative 27-year-old in the next transfer window.

Also with Andre Gomes struggling and Iniesta ageing, Barcelona’s midfield has been outplayed in many big matches and the arrival of an understated Herrera will definitely add more strength and steel to the Catalan midfield.

The heart of the matter

With Luis Enrique leaving Barcelona at the end of the season, a lot of changes are expected in the first team squad. Players like Javier Mascherano, Andre Gomes, Jeremy Mathieu and Paco Alcacer are all said to be on their way out and plenty of big names like Verratti, Bellerin and now Herrera are reported to have agreed moves to the Camp Nou.

Although the Spanish giants have undergone a slight upturn in form in recent times, President Bartomeu and other Barcelona chiefs are said to have greenlighted the proposal to have a major squad overhaul in the summer transfer window.

What’s next?

Manchester United are said to be interested in their own midfield targets like Bernardo Silva and Blaise Matuidi and it will be really interesting to see if Mourinho does indeed agree to sell one of his best players to Barcelona.

Also, a lot of the new arrivals will depend on who Barcelona name as the new manager. It promises to be a summer of change and transition and European clubs all over the club will be following the Catalan club’s transfer activities with a lot of interest.

Author’s take

Herrera will definitely add a different dimension and some bite to the Barcelona midfield. However, even a bid of £55 million might not be enough to convince Manchester United as the Spaniard has grown to become one of the most important players of the Red Devils’ squad.