Ivan Rakitic won’t be leaving the Camp Nou this summer. It’s a message that has been clear from his end all summer, and irrespective of who has shown an interest in him, he’s always maintained his desire to stay at Barcelona.
Juventus are the last side to have tried their luck with the Croatian just this week, but Barcelona stood firm in their rejection. Rakitic isn’t for sale because, among other things, he doesn’t want to move before his contract ends in 2021.
The ‘no’ Juve found when they came knocking was the same answer given to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, among others.
Contribution
For Ernesto Valverde, Rakitic is an important player and a key cog in his midfield. He played 54 times in 2018/19, one of the highest totals in the Barcelona squad.
But Rakitic was rested in the opener against Athletic Club this season and the Catalans suffered. He came on in the second half and his impact was obvious; he won the ball and Barcelona grew into the game.