Barcelona Transfer News: David Villa Linked with Return, Latest Adriano Rumours

Barcelona have been suggested as a potential team to take former forward David Villa on loan at the end of the Major League Soccer regular season.

Villa’s current employers, New York City FC, will not make it to the MLS end-of-season playoffs, meaning the Spaniard is likely to have a few months spare during the offseason.

According to El Economista (h/t Sport), the Blaugrana are a team who could potentially bring him back to La Liga.

Villa has also addressed rumours of making a temporary move prior to MLS getting back underway in March. 

“Now they are calling me from all sides, from when we mathematically couldn't be in the play-offs,” he said, per El Murcielago on Levante TV (h/t Sport). “They have called me although it doesn't mean that I will back on loan, hypothetically.”

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The veteran forward enjoyed three magnificent years with the Blaugrana between 2010 and 2013, winning two league titles and the Champions League in Catalonia. Here are some of the finest moments from his spell at the Camp Nou:

At the moment, Barcelona could definitely do with Villa, who has scored an impressive 17 goals in 27 starts in his debut campaign for NYCFC.

Luis Enrique’s side have not been allowed to add new faces to the squad for over a year, and with key men such as Lionel Messi and Rafinha suffering with injuries, the squad is beginning to look bare.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks the prospect of a Villa return is unlikely, but he would still love to see it:

As a temporary solution to a lack of attacking depth, Barcelona could definitely do worse. But Villa is 33 years old now and will need time to recuperate after what was his first full season in a league that places a lot of physical duress on players.

Still, for football romantics, it’d be great to have him slot a few more goals in the Blaugrana jersey.

Adriano Set For Departure

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According to E Rossi of Sport, it’s a case of when and not if left-back Adriano leaves Barcelona, with the Liga giants reportedly keen on shifting some money off their wage bill and strengthening other areas of the squad in January.

Rossi writes the 30-year-old has “no intention” of extending his contract with the Catalan side and was stopped from moving to Roma in the summer by Enrique.

However, it’s claimed the manager will make a final decision on whether to cash in in January or let Adriano leave for nothing at the end of the season, with the Giallorossi “ready and waiting” to do business.

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The former Sevilla man has been a useful option for the Blaugrana down the years, deputising in a variety of roles. However, as noted here by the La Masia account, the time does seem right for him to step aside in place of some of the club’s bright prospects:

Barcelona have one of the best left-backs in Europe in Jordi Alba, although he has had his injury problems so far this season.

Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen can each provide cover, but neither offer an attacking edge that comes close to the first choice, meaning Adriano usually gets the nod in that position.

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Still, if Barcelona can get some money for the Brazilian in January then promote a youth player, such as the impressive Alex Grimaldo, they can patch up their squad in other positions.

Adriano has been a brilliant servant to the club in his five years at the Camp Nou, but the time is right for him to move on and sample more consistent first-team football elsewhere at the earliest chance.