Laliga giants Barcelona have cancelled the contract of midfielder Sergi Samper amid reports of an impending link-up with Andres Iniesta at Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
Samper, 24, leaves Barca after never really living up to his early promise, having been highly rated when coming through their La Masia academy.
In a statement, the club noted: “FC Barcelona and Sergi Samper have reached an agreement for the cancellation of the player’s contract with the Club.A
“The club publically would like to thank Sergi Samper for his dedication and commitment during his time at FC Barcelona and wishes him all the best for the future.”
In total he played 13 times for the first team: four in 2014/15, seven in 2015/16 and once in the seasons 2016/17 and 2018/19. With the Club he has won one league title, a Champions League title, a Copa del Rey, a World Club Cup and a Spanish Super Cup
A technically gifted midfielder, Samper was initially seen as the long-term successor to Sergio Busquets and was handed his senior debut in September 2014, appearing against APOEL in the Champions League.
He had to wait until March 2016 for his LaLiga debut, and loan spells with Granada and Las Palmas followed.
But neither move went to plan, with both clubs suffering relegation from the top flight, and his development was hampered by injuries, particularly at Las Palmas.
Reports in Spain claim Samper is expected to join his former Barca team-mate Iniesta at Vissel Kobe. Samper is expected to confirm his next move at a news conference on Tuesday.