Ivan Rakitic’s future with Barcelona continues to be speculated upon with Manchester United touted to be heavy favourites to land him next summer.
Rakitic has stated the £142m fee the Catalan giants have paid for Coutinho is a bit too high and has faced increased competition to appear in the starting lineup. The 29-year-old has been the leading man along with the likes of Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta to formulate the midfield trio ever since his arrival from Sevilla. He marked his 200th appearance for the La Liga giants by taking the field against Las Palmas on Friday.
Barcelona paid a bargain price of £16.2m to sign the distinguished midfielder after his impressive display for the White and Reds. Rakitic has been crucial for the La Liga giants over the past three and a half years winning 2 league titles, 1 Champions League trophy and 23 Copa del Rey trophies.
Even with the arrival of talented youngsters like Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes, the Switzerland-born midfielder held his ground and has been the top pick under both Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde.
But with the emergence of Paulinho and Coutinho the rightful choice in the attacking midfield role, Rakitic’s future is under threat. This has set off a spree of transfer rumours with multiple European clubs peering in and monitoring the Croatian’s situation.
The Manchester United midfield has struggled to formulate attacks without the help of Paul Pogba in the team who is currently their best creative spark. Alexis Sanchez has yet to get going for the Red Devils and Mourinho needs someone who can link up the team better alongside the French international.
Mourinho well aware of the talent and experience Rakitic brings to the table and will be inclined to pursue his services aggressively. The United midfield can do with an experienced and calm head who will accentuate the game of Paul Pogba himself.
Michael Carrick is very close to retirement and Marouane Fellaini’s contract is set to end after this season.
Ander Herrera’s future is also uncertain with the Spaniard getting constantly linked with European sides. Even though Nemanja Matic has impressed on the defensive end, his inconsistent bouts are frustrating to deal with and have cost the Red Devils on a few occasions.
United will have to improve upon their title challenge next season now that they are 16 points behind their bitter rivals in the points table. Mourinho will be taking on the challenge with a bunch of new signings in the next transfer window and Rakitic can be a quality acquisition.
