Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has had a meeting with boss Ernesto Valverde, in which the player told the Spaniard that he doesn’t want the Blaugrana to sign any more midfielders if he’s to stay at the club this summer.
This is according to Don Balon, who note that Valverde told Rakitic in the meeting that he is to play a big role in his plans for this season.
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The report also notes that the Spanish giants are still in the hunt to bring Paul Pogba to the Nou Camp this summer, something that won’t be good news for Rakitic to hear.
Losing Rakitic would be a huge blow for Barcelona, even if his departure is because they managed to bring in Paul Pogba.
The former Sevilla star was a crucial part of the Blaugrana side that won yet another league and cup double last season.
The 30-year-old’s partnership with Sergio Busquets at the heart of Barca’s midfield last season was one of the main reasons as to why Ernesto Valverde’s side looked so good.
The player’s calmness on the ball and ability to retain possession has seen him slot into Barcelona’s side with ease since his move from Sevilla in the summer of 2014.
It may be wise for Barca to listen to Rakitic’s pleas for now, as losing him could be a big blow for the club, and it would be very hard to find a like-for-like replacement for the Croat with just a few weeks left of the transfer window.