Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is ‘likely’ to leave for free once his contract expires in 2021, with the midfielder at ‘war’ with his current club over a potential move to Sevilla.
Rakitic made 31 appearances in all competitions this season before play was halted due to the coronavirus crisis, but only 15 of these came from the start.
The Croatian has been heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou for some time, while his recent comments have only fuelled speculation. Speaking on his future, he was keen to reiterate that only he will decide his future, insisting he is not a ‘bag of potatoes’.
SPORT now report that it will be a ‘miracle’ if Barcelona and Rakitic are able to part ways on good terms. At this moment in time, the two parties want different things, and it is unlikely an agreement can be reached. But with the 32-year-old’s contract due to expire in the summer of 2021, the report adds that Rakitic has the upper hand in the ‘war’.
Rakitic penned a new deal with Barça back in 2017, and is said to have been promised an improved contract, but nothing has arrived. La Blaugrana now want to offload the midfielder, but Rakitic himself is keen to run down his contract as he holds out for a lucrative move away.
While there has been plenty of interest – and offers – for his services, the midfielder’s ‘only desire’ is to return to Sevilla, the club he left in 2014 to join Barcelona. However, his former club aren’t looking to pay a fee and, as a result, Rakitic is likely to leave for free once his deal expires.
Rakitic is set on returning to Sevilla as he owns a house there and his wife is also from the region, making it a suitable location for him as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Let’