Ivan Rakitic’s agent confirms that the Croatian International will not leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona are looking to ease their way into the transition period without going trophyless. The reigning Spanish Champions have already signed Frenkie De Jong, Jean Clair Todibo, and have been heavily linked with a move for Matthijs De Ligt who is eager to move to Barcelona as well.
However, the club is stuck in a major limbo, who are not able to provide a new contract for their first choice left-back Jordi Alba due to financial restrictions. It will be interesting to see Barcelona’s business in the summer transfer window having splashed hefty sum on the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, and Frenkie De Jong in the last four transfer windows.
When the Ajax midfielder joined the Catalans for 90 million euros, there were several reports quoting that the board will be determined to sell three midfielders, namely, Ivan Rakitic, Rafinha, and Denis Suarez in the summer transfer window. The Croatian midfielder, who joined Barcelona during the summer of 2014 has been one of the integral members in the squad by winning three League titles and one Champions League.
Since joining Sevilla, Ivan Rakitic has played 395 club games for Sevilla and Barca combined. Only 5 games away from completing 400 appearances.
He has played 246 games for Barca and 149 for Sevilla. Also, in this time period he played 464 official matches (club and country ). pic.twitter.com/5Y5FXq9p1A
— R A M (@MeticulousViews) February 4, 2019
It is also understood that the 30-year-old is wanting a pay rise, but the board have decided to keep quiet on this matter because he would be turning 31 in a month time.
The World Cup runner up wanted a move to Paris Saint-Germain during the last summer window when the French club bid 80 million for the midfielder, but the reigning Spanish Champions requested him to stay for one more year. However, it is safe to say that that the former Sevilla’s midfielder contract runs until 2021 at Nou Camp and a fee of around 50 to 60 million would be sufficient to lure away him from Catalonia.
In the recent weeks, Chelsea and Inter Milan have been linked with a move for the Croatian International who is eyed by Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti as they prepare to strengthen their midfield. However, they have been dealt with a huge blow because Rakitic’s agent Arturo Canales has ruled out a move in the upcoming months.
🗣 “What? Ivan is going to leave Spain in the summer? It’s an impossible scenario.”
That’s that then! https://t.co/UBBSVURPLB
— 90min (@90min_Football) February 5, 2019
📰 [MD – @MigRico] | The paradox of the fundamental Rakitic
🔶 Ernesto Valverde needs him because he considers him essential for the balance of the team but the club may need him in June to balance the accounts
🔷 Ivan (71 games last year) lives in a paradox pic.twitter.com/Rn0pmh1w0t
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) January 31, 2019
When Rakitic’s representative was asked about a move to Inter Milan, Canales responded by saying “Ivan wants to leave Spain in the summer? That’s impossible.”
Even though Rakitic’s agent has ruled out a move, the board will be tempted to sell should they receive a good sum for him. From the financial side, it makes complete sense to cash in on him before it’s too late.
