Pranav Nair
Manchester United dealt transfer blow in pursuit of Ivan Rakitic
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatian star has revealed that he dreams of a return to his former club Sevilla. Rakitic spent three seasons at Sevilla before making the move to the Nou Camp.
He has enjoyed a trophy-laden stay at Barcelona, winning 12 major honours. In his six years with the Catalan giants, he has made 299 appearances and has scored 34 goals and 41 assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
With him entering the final year of his Barcelona contract, he is expected to move on after falling down the pecking order under new manager Quique Setien.
United was discussed as a potential destination, with strong interest also coming from Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
He revealed that his heart lies in the city of Seville, where his family resides.
“I have a special affection for Seville, but directly for the city. I have my family there.”
He accepted that it is still a dream for him to don the Sevilla shirt before going on to claim that the decision does not lie with him.
Rakitic opened up further by revealing that he is yet to hear from Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi regarding any move.
“Monchi and everyone at Sevilla has my number but they haven’t called me yet.”
Although 32 years old, he is still capable of playing at the highest level. The Croatian’s leadership qualities are an added bonus.
He was seen as a replacement for Paul Pogba, whose future at Old Trafford is far from certain. (h/t Daily Star)
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Signing a player with the experience and pedigree of Rakitic would have been excellent for our side.
Rakitic has played in some of football’s biggest games alongside some of the best in the game. He would have acted as both as an inspiration and a mentor to the younger players. It now looks like we will have to look elsewhere.
