The Barcelona midfielder would be an excellent addition to the Liverpool squad this summer.
As the future of Philippe Coutinho at Anfield continues to grow more uncertain by the day, Reds fans will be hoping that Jürgen Klopp has plenty of potential replacements lined up, in preparation for the Brazilian’s likely exit.
Whilst a like-for-like addition will be required, Barcelona’s interest in the 25-year-old might just present Liverpool with a superb opportunity to solve another problem position.
With Jordan Henderson’s ongoing injury issues, the addition of a classy central midfielder will surely feature highly on the German’s agenda, and with this in mind, he should demand Ivan Rakitic as part of any kind of potential deal that sees Coutinho head to the Camp Nou.
Ivan Rakitic of FC Barcelona
The Croatia international is one of the finest passers of the football in the game, and he would be a superb addition to the Reds’ starting lineup, what with his ability to dictate the tempo of a match.
His wealth of experience of playing at the very highest level with Barcelona would also surely prove to be a huge asset for Liverpool, with Klopp’s side currently lacking a certain kind of winning mentality.
The 29-year-old could form a formidable midfield trio with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can, if the Germany international remains at Anfield of course.
Rakitic also has the ability to play in the more advanced number 10 role, if required to do so, and would offer Klopp the opportunity to play with more in-game tactical flexibility, without the need to use his substitutes.
The Croatian’s presence in the Liverpool side would undoubtedly provide more fluidity to their play, and if Klopp manages to convince Barcelona into allowing the 29-year-old to leave Catalonia, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance for the Merseyside outfit.
Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona in action
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