Mourinho Demands Jordi Alba From Barca In Return For Herrera
Reuters / Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has demanded that Barcelona agree to send Jordi Alba to Old Trafford in return if they are to stand a chance of signing Ander Herrera.
Newly appointed Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is said to be keen on signing a new left-sided central midfielder and has set his eyes on Herrera. The pair worked together for a single season while they were at Athletic Bilbao nearly three years ago, and enjoy a good relationship with each other.
It now appears that Valverde is desperate for a reunion, but it is highly unlikely that Herrera will be allowed to make a move to the Catalan giants.
The Spaniard was an invaluable member of Mourinho’s squad in the Portuguese manager’s first season at Old Trafford, making 50 appearances, in which he managed to score twice and assist a teammate on 7 occasions, as United went on to win the Community Shield, the League Cup and the Europa League.
Mourinho is by no means ready to let Herrera – the club’s Player of the Year – leave Manchester, and it is now believed that the 55-year-old has demanded that Barcelona let go of Jordi Alba if he is to even consider letting his prized midfielder leave, as per Spanish news outlet Don Balon (via Daily Star).
The Red Devils are weak at the left-back position, with Luke Shaw failing to convince the manager of his qualities. Alba is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world at the moment, and would be a perfect fit in Mourinho’s team, as he looks to make his side title contenders once more.
However, Don Balon have also reported that the La Liga giants are reluctant to let their 28-year-old full-back leave, and will continue to find alternative ways to try and convince United to let go of Herrera.
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Herrera recently admitted that he really enjoyed working under Valverde at Athletic Bilbao, and believes the Spanish boss will be a success at the Nou Camp.
The 27-year-old midfielder told Sport360: “He’s a very smart manager. “He doesn’t have one style of football. He adapts himself to the players’ abilities. That’s the most important thing he has.
“Also, the way he treats people, the egos in the club and the team, is very important. I was with him for only one year but I really enjoyed it. He is very sincere, very transparent and I think he’s going to be very successful there.”
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.