Croatian footballer and vice-captain of the national team Ivan Rakitić has more than proved his worth at Barcelona.
August 21, 2018 – Ivan Rakitić played the most minutes at Barcelona last season – and yes, that means he was on the pitch even longer than Leo Messi.
He has never been shy to show his love for Barcelona, and moreover, he has never publicly claimed that he wished to leave Camp Nou. It’d be fair to say that his statements have gone more toward Barcelona being the biggest club in the world, and the club he wishes to finish his career.
This makes us wonder, then, why there were such serious speculations that Croatia’s master midfielder would possibly leave to PSG this month?
The news spun again on Monday in Spain, and from sources that do not just spit out nonsense. Spanish media claimed that the Parisians have moved on the offensive for Rakitić or Busquets. Catalan paper Sport even confirmed today that Rakitić does not want to leave Barcelona – but that the PSG offer is huge.
PSG sees Rakitić as the best option and a priority for the French club, and are willing to offer EUR 100 million for the midfielder, Catalan media reported this morning.
Barcelona, however, responded quickly, offering Rakitić a higher salary, improving his current contract between him and the club, and increasing his damages clause to EUR 125 million. PSG could still sign the midfielder if they pay his release clause, though it is unlikely considering their problems with financial fair play, reports Marca.
Marca claims that there is no chance Rakitić will leave Barcelona this summer.
“Ivan Rakitic will not be leaving Barcelona this summer after the Catalan club agreed to offer him an improved contract effectively ending Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of signing him.
The Croat’s current contract runs out in 2021 but Barcelona are desperate to keep him and have therefore promised a more lucrative deal. Although he only renewed his contract at the end of 2017, the 30-year-old’s stock has since risen and he has become almost irreplaceable for coach Ernesto Valverde.”
Source: Goal.hr
