Barcelona playmaker Ivan Rakitic could be making a big-money move to North London this summer, with Jose Mourinho’s side looking the likely suitors for the Croatian’s much sought after signature, according to sources in Spain.
Tottenham Hotspur Leading Race to Sign Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic
Rakitic to Leave Barcelona
Now 32-years-old, Ivan Rakitic’s Barcelona days are looking numbered, with the Croatian international said to be unhappy at the Catalan side following his lack of playing time this season.
With just 21 La Liga appearances this season (playing 90-minutes on just four occasions), Rakitic has no doubt slipped down the Barcelona pecking order since arriving from Sevilla in July 2014.
Making way for the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Arturo Vidal and Arthur, a move away from the Camp Nou is increasingly evident for Rakitic.
A failed move away from Barca in January added fuel to the fire, and it now looks very likely that Rakitic will depart the Spanish giants in the coming months.
Spurs are Highly Keen
It has been said that Spurs’ boss Jose Mourinho is an avid admirer of Rakitic, referring to him as “one of the most underrated players in the world,” in an interview with BeIN Sports, and has placed him firmly on top of Tottenham Hotspur’s wishlist this summer.
Although, things aren’t going to be that simple as reports also suggest that Mourinho’s old club Manchester United remain hot in pursuit of Rakitic’s signature following his proposed move to Old Trafford in January.
However, it is Spurs who lead this race, having put together ‘strongest offer’ for the Croatian star.
With Rakitic’s contract in Spain due to expire in 2021, what remains to be seen is whether or not either of these English forces are prepared to splash the cash, or possibly nab him on a free next summer.
What does Rakitic Bring?
Fundamental in guiding Croatia to their first-ever World Cup Final in 2018, Rakitic has been a much-feared opponent for many years.
Announcing himself to the world stage in 2014 with his £16 million transfer to Barca, Rakitic is widely considered one of the Spanish sides greatest ever steals.
The total all-rounder, Rakitic can get you a goal, grab an assist, and also fill in defensively all in the one game.
Poised with lethal stamina, and the perfect footballing brain, Rakitic no doubt has some great playing days still to come, so to see him in the Premier League next season would be an absolute joy for the footballing neutral, and even more so for a Spurs fan.
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