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Barcelona announced Tuesday that Ivan Rakitic has left the Camp Nou and returned to former club Sevilla.
🚨 LATEST NEWS | Agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of @IvanRakitic
The club’s confirmed the details of the move in an official statement:
“FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Rakitic. The Andalusian team will pay FC Barcelona 1.5 million euros plus 9m in variables.
“FC Barcelona publicly expresses its gratitude to Rakitic for his commitment and dedication and wishes him good luck and success in the future.”
The Croatia international has signed a four-year deal with Sevilla.
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Time Up for Rakitic at Barcelona
Rakitic leaves Barcelona after six years at the club during which time he has won four league titles, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey four times. Rakitic was also part of the Croatia team that reached the World Cup final in 2018.
The midfielder has been a key part of the Barcelona starting XI throughout his career at the Camp Nou but had already been told by new manager Ronald Koeman he was not part of his plans for the future.
He heads to a Sevilla team who finished 2019-20 on a high by winning the Europa League. Lopetegui’s side have already strengthened this summer by completing permanent deals for Suso and Oscar Rodriguez, while Rakitic will take the place of the departing Ever Banega.
Barcelona Set for New-Look Midfield?
Rakitic is the second midfielder to depart Barcelona this summer. He follows Arthur Melo in moving away from the club, while Arturo Vidal has admitted he’s tempted by a move to Juventus.
The changes mean Barcelona could be set for a new-look midfield next season under new manager Koeman. Frenkie de Jong is being tipped for a more influential role, while 21-year-old Riqui Puig could become a regular if he’s promoted from Barcelona B.
Miralem Pjanic can also expect a place in the starting XI following his move from Juventus, although his arrival at Barca has been delayed following confirmation he’s tested positive for Covid-19.
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