Ivan Rakitic is one of the key players for Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona.
On the front page of today’s edition of Sport, it reads ‘Stop Rakitic’ as the future of the 30-year-old is in the air.
It’s because the former Sevilla man is demanding a new and an improved contract, but the La Liga winners have no plans to offer a new deal.
PSG were interested in signing him last summer, but Valverde convinced him to stay at the club. He then asked for a better deal, which was not entertained by the Blaugrana.
The Spanish champions’ stance has still not changed as they have no plans to offer him better wages, which is why the scenario could be tense in the coming weeks.
Rakitic has put pressure on president Josep Maria Bartomeu to offer him a new deal as he continues to draw attention from several clubs and this includes the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
It is explained Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as the other clubs, ‘have asked’ for the player, knowing that he could be available in the summer. If Barca don’t offer a better deal, Rakitic could ‘consider listening to offers’ as he will have more options to leave after this season.
Having already agreed a deal with Ajax for Frenkie de Jong, Sport claims Rakitic’s exit would not be traumatic for Barcelona and they could raise around funds by allowing him to leave. They value him around €65m.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Rakitic to decide if he has to stay with his current employer beyond this season or not.
