According to a recent report from Goal, Barcelona are ready to sanction the exit of Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic when the next transfer window opens. The 32-year-old has fallen down the pecking order with the La Liga holders. It is believed that Barcelona are valuing him at around €20m.
The same report mentions that Rakitic would prefer a move to Sevilla. However, top clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus and Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder. Sevilla are looking to make an approach for the midfielder. Rakitic is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to move to his former club. However, the Spanish club are currently valuing him around €15m.
The midfielder has started in just ten games in the La Liga this campaign. The likes of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong, Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo are seemingly the preferred choice for Quique Setien. Rakitic’s contract expires in 2021.
Are Barcelona taking the right call?
It cannot be denied that Rakitic’s powers are waning and he doesn’t have the same influence in midfield that he had when he joined the club in 2014. The Croatian has been part of 4 La Liga titles and one Champions League win. However, in the past odd year, the midfielder has struggled.
Rakitic has been susceptible to giving the ball away under pressure, and he doesn’t seem to have the legs anymore to dominate the midfield battle. He has also been overrun in the middle in the past season or so. Hence, it is understandable why Barcelona are looking to part ways with him.
Rakitic is yet to score this season, but he has managed four assists in all competitions. The midfielder is currently just one game short of making 300 appearances for Barcelona. So far in his time at the Camp Nou, Rakitic has grabbed 34 goals with 41 assists. In his prime, Rakitic was known for his impressive passing range and reading of the game.
He might still be able to do a job in the middle, but if Barcelona have ambitions about the next few seasons, then they should look to replace the Croatian. If the Catalan giants can get €20m for him, then it would undoubtedly be a good deal for them. Sevilla are reportedly only willing to shell €15m at the moment. Maybe with a bit of tough bargaining, Barcelona could be able to get their price. But, even €15m for him would be decent business given that he is in his thirties at the moment.
