After a turbulent season at Barcelona ended with Champions League humiliation, Ivan Rakitić has been shown the exit door at the Camp Nou. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Croatian has completed a move back to Sevilla on a three-year contract with the medical expected to take place today.
REPORT: Sevilla Seal Deal for Rakitic
The First of Many Barcelona Departures?
The embarrassing 8-2 loss at the hands of Bayern Munich has finally given the Barcelona hierarchy a much-needed wake-up call. They have seemingly realised that it is time for a rebuild, and perhaps a new transfer strategy alongside a summer clearout.
The clearout will reportedly start with Rakitić as the Croatian rejoins the club he once left in pursuit of his Barcelona career. The clearout may have come too late, however, as Lionel Messi looks likely to leave no matter what this summer.
Luis Suarez could also leave, too, this summer, according to reports, to completely strip Barcelona of a goalscoring threat. With Rakitić swapping the chaos of the Camp Nou for the Europa League winners in Seville, Barcelona will be left with just a handful of midfield options. Ronald Koeman may be forced to look towards reinforcements this summer.
The Chance for Rakitić to Regain Form
During his time at Barcelona, Rakitić has constantly been on the end of criticism should anything go wrong. This would have undoubtedly affected his confidence and, therefore, the ability to perform at his very best.
By joining Sevilla, however, the Croatian should have the freedom of a welcomed back hero. The heroes welcome should instantly provide a much-needed confidence boost, and propel Rakitić back towards the player we were once accustomed to seeing each week.
We could even see this Sevilla side push into the top three next season after finishing behind Atletico Madrid on goal difference last time out.
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