After leaving the Ramos Sanchez Pizjuan stadium for Barcelona in 2014, Ivan Rakitic is set to reunite back with his old club Sevilla. He joined the Spanish giants six years ago after winning the first of three consecutive Europe League titles with a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Benfica.
In his first season at the Camp Nou, he was a major part of Luis Enrique’s historic treble-winning side and even put his side ahead in the Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin. After the departure of Xavi at the end of that season, Rakitic became an undisputed starter in the heart of the midfield for the next three seasons. However, he has dropped down the pecking order in recent seasons perhaps due to his age now catching up with him.
Ronaldo Koeman reportedly informed some players upon his arrival that they were not part of his plans. Rakitic was one of them and it seems he has gotten the message loud and clear. He is set to return back to Sevilla ahead of the new season.
Despite finishing fourth in La Liga and winning the Europa League, Sevilla still wants to add Ivan Rakitic to their squad. The imminent departure of Ever Banega means that there is a spot there for the taking and Julen Lopetugui see Rakitic as a worthy replacement for the outgoing Argentine veteran.
The Andalusians’ sporting director has always been a fan of him but didn’t think that a move could materialize. “That I personally would like him to return? Would I particularly like it to work out so that he could come back? I don’t hide the fact that he is my friend. Are those possibilities realistic? At the moment, it looks difficult to me, if not impossible.” Monchi said three weeks ago.
The Croat is reportedly undergoing a medical as we speak before putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option for a third. As stated in June, Rakitic would have loved to remain but things went beyond his control. Nonetheless, he would certainly look back on his team in Barcelona with great pride and honour.
