Ivan Rakitic contract: Barcelona reject player’s request for new contract

Ivan Rakitic contract: Barcelona have denied a new contract to their midfielder Ivan Rakitic, confirmed the club president.

There have been speculations surrounding Ivan Rakitic’s new contract at the club ever since the beginning of the transfer window this summer. The Croatian expressed interest in signing a new contract this season.

However, the midfielder received a blow earlier this week when Barcelona president rejected his request for a new contract.

“For this campaign, we will not be able to go through with the gesture that Rakitic is asking of us,” Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartemeu said, as quoted by Diario Sport.

“Next season we can look at it in relation to new revenue,” the president added.

Ivan Rakitic was heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint Germain this summer, but insisted that he wanted to continue his career at Barcelona. However, he also stated that he would like a new contract offer this year.

Bartomeu tells @ElTransistorOC there will be no new deal for Rakitic this season, despite midfielder’s request. Busquets’ improved contract imminent, talks planned with Alba.

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) September 18, 2018

Barcelona are thought to be in talks over new contracts for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at the moment.

Ernesto Valverde’s side is currently at the top of La Liga, with a perfect record in the campaign so far. They won the La Liga last year with only one loss throughout the whole league campaign.

🗣️ Bartomeu on Onda Cero last night: “This season, we won’t be able to give Rakitic the gesture (contract extension) that he asked for. Next season, with the arrival of new revenues, we’ll be able to.”

— Denis (@Deninstagram) September 18, 2018

Barcelona will begin their Champions League run today as they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. The Catalan club would want to improve on their previous three Champions League campaigns, in which they were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the tournament.