Ivan Rakitic has joined Croatian side Hajduk Split on a two-year contract, according to reports.
The former Barcelona man has penned a deal which runs until June 2026, with the midfielder understood to be keen on playing in Croatia.
Rakitic is currently contracted to Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab with his contract running until June 2025.
Ivan Rakitic joined the team in January 2024, however, he has informed the club of his decision to exit the team with immediate effect.
The 36-year-old had a wishy-washy spell in Saudi Arabia, making 8 appearances for Al Shabab, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist in all competitions.
Individuals That Influenced The Move of Ivan Rakitic To Hajduk Split
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, former international teammate of the midfielder, Nikola Kalinic, who is now sporting director of Hajduk Split was crucial to the deal becoming finalized.
Former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic, who joined Hajduk Split this summer is also part of the reason Rakitic has opted to join the Croatian side.
Additionally, Hajduk Split are currently managed by Gennaro Gattuso and his presence as manager of the side influenced the decision of Ivan Rakitic.
Rakitic was part of Croatia’s squad that made it to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, albeit losing to a star-studded French side by 4-2.
Ivan Rakitic Achievements
Rakitic has had a relatively successful career winning several trophies, including; 1 UEFA Champions League, 2 UEFA Europa Leagues, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
Clubs He Has Played For?
Ivan Rakitic has played for several top clubs in his career, including; Barcelona, Sevilla, Schalke 04 and FC Basel.
Ivan Rakitic’s Date Of Birth And Style Of Play
The 36-year-old was born in Rheinfelden, Switzerland on March 10, 1988 and he is seen as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Rakitic is known for his playmaking abilities, excellent creativity and wonderful stamina, which aids him defensively.
Ivan Rakitic’s Personal Life
Rakitic is married to wife Raquel Mauri, and the pair tied the knot in April 2013 in Seville after two years of dating.
They have two children together, namely; Althea, born in July 2013, and Adara, born in May 2016.
Rakitic is the brother of former footballer and current manager Dejan Rakitic, who currently plays for Swiss club FC Möhlin-Riburg/ACLI.
The Croatian is also the son of Luka Rakitic, who was last assistant manager of Swiss club NK Pajde.
Moreover, Ivan Rakitic is fluent in about 6 languages, namely; Croatian, German, Spanish, English, French and Italian.
Ivan Rakitic Market Value And Net Worth?
Rakitic’s current market value according to Transfermkt is €3.5 million and his net worth is estimated to be within the region of €80 million – €100 million.
Ivan Rakitic Career Stats
He has made 827 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 114 goals and providing 136 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Rakitic made 106 appearances for Croatia, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists.
Ivan Rakitic Position
Rakitic functions primarily as a central midfielder, but he can also be utilized as an attacking midfielder and as a defensive midfielder.
