Ivan Rakitic has won almost ever trophy imaginable with Barcelona, but could he be considering a new challenge?
He’s already ticked off the Bundesliga and La Liga, and Ivan Rakitic could one day be open to a fresh challenge in the Premier League, the Croatian’s agent has suggested in quotes reported by the Daily Mail.
The hard-working midfielder ascended from Europa League winners Sevilla to the Camp Nou and Barcelona in 2014, burdened with the unenviable task of replacing the legendary Xavi in arguably the most impressively assembled team in the modern era.
However, Rakitic adapted seamlessly to life with the trophy-hoarding Catalans, adding graft to the guile of Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi before netting the opener in the Champions League final to cap a dream debut campaign in blue and red.
And, despite the arrivals of Arda Turan (below), Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez in recent transfer windows, the 28-year-old remains a key figure at the Camp Nou, with Barcelona director Albert Soler claiming in September that renewing Rakitic’s contract was ranking high in the La Liga champions’ list of priorities, as reported by The Sun.
However, the former Schalke midfielder’s agent has hinted that, although his client is more than content in Catalonia, Rakitic may be tempted to try his hand in another of Europe’s top leagues.
‘Ivan is very happy at FC Barcelona, where he has been tremendously successful and has a contract with the club until 2019,” said Arturo Canales in quotes reported by the Daily Mail.
“Ivan loves football and is only 28 years old. Having played in Switzerland, Germany and Spain, who knows if one day he’ll be ready to have an experience in England, but for now he’s a FC Barcelona player.”
There would certainly be no shortage of suitors for one of the most complete midfielders in the world game, with Rakitic’s selfless approach meaning he has often taken a backseat, even conservative role in a Barcelona side brimming with creative talent.
The Daily Mail reported that Manchester United are monitoring the Croatian’s contract situation closely, as Jose Mourinho looks to strike a balance between defence and attack in his midfield.
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