The former Barça player was an integral piece of the the Guardiola-era and with the MLS on break, a loan move wouldn't be off the table.
A top MLS player moving on loan to a European club is something we've all seen before. Landon Donovan would make regular trips to Merseyside to play for Everton as well as some time in Germany with Bayern Munich while Thierry Henry has also returned to the Premier League to maintain fitness.
The season gone was Villa's first in the MLS and despite his newly-formed club New York City FC finishing in a disappointing 8th position in their division, David Villa did no harm to his reputation. He was named the club's Most Valuable Player having scored 18 goals with five assists and showed despite reaching the grand old age of 34, he hasn't lost his natural goalscoring touch.
"I am getting calls from everywhere" Villa for El Murcielago
Clearly the idea of loaning the World Cup winner is one that has pricked the ears of other European clubs but should Barça be considering it? Let's have a look at current striking situation.
Everyone knows about the trident. Luis Suárez, Neymar and Lionel Messi have been tearing up defences and records ever since its inception but there is a worrying lack of depth behind them. Munir and Sandro both had bright starts to their first team careers but have simmered while Pedro departed for Chelsea in the summer.
When Messi picked up his long term injury, it was a real chance for Munir and Sandro but neither grabbed the opportunity and the latter is now linked with a move away from the club. Luis Enrique has attempted to solve the problem through a variety of ways, Andrés Iniesta has been pushed forward as has Sergi Roberto but it was more of a stopgap solution than a permanent one.
Even the Espanyol game on Saturday showed the need for something different. Despite playing well, nothing was coming off for the front three and the team could've used an injection of fresh legs and a clinical finisher. The fact that Enrique only used one substitute says it all.
Villa can fill a number of roles within the front three. When he originally joined Barça back in 2010 he was a central player who drifted to the left but he adapted his game to accommodate Messi. Meaning he became a left forward who would cut inside and his scoring record was also very good. 33 goals in 77 appearances including a great finish in the Champions League final.
He also benefits from being familiar with the club's ethos. He spent three years at the club as well as playing an adaptation of the style with Spain ensuring he is familiar of what is expected of him and can play the Barça game.
The main reason for Villa's departure in 2013 was his lack of minutes due to the emergence of Alexis Sanchez and a nasty tibia break that enforced a long layoff. But this time would be different as he is there to maintain fitness, not to be a regular starter. Of course he is going to be second choice behind the trident but any action would be of benefit to him.
In my opinion, it would be a wise move. Barça can use the quality of Villa to ensure the fitness and performance levels don't drop in a congested fixture list.
Back in October, Villa was questioned on the link back to Barça stating that a return to Europe "is not really an option right now." but surely if the Catalans did come calling, it would be hard to say no.
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