Barcelona tried to sign former star Andres Iniesta in January

Barcelona had a loan bid rejected by Vissel Kobe for the return of the former star Andres Iniesta in the January transfer window.

The Catalans are said to have missed a great opportunity to bring the Spaniard back on loan for the remainder of the season.

According to Daily Mail, Barca made an attempt to the sign to 35-year-old with loan status, only to be denied by the Japanese club Kobe citing Iniesta’s importance to the team.

The Spanish World Cup star has been instrumental behind his side’s qualification to the AFC Champions League this season, racking up six goals and six assists in the J League.

Elsewhere, Barca’s new manager Quique Setien also commented in an interview that he would like to see Iniesta one more time in the Blaugrana shirt.

Setien has so far endured an erratic start to his managerial return at the Nou Camp, suffering elimination from Copa del Rey in the quarterfinals against Athletic Club.

Barca are currently trailing table-toppers Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.