High tension between Rakitic and Barcelona over midfielder's future
He has a deal until 2021 and the club think he wants to leave for free
The relationship between Ivan Rakitic and Barcelona is experiencing moments of high tension. Both sides have grievances with the other and view the other party with skepticism.
The situation has deteriorated in recent months but it has been a long time coming. Rakitic is annoyed because he feels certain promises have not been met -- like a contract renewal. And because, since last summer, they have been trying to ship him off as a makeweight in certain deals, as he revealed in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
As for the club, they don't understand why he's so adamant to continue at Barça, despite playing less and less. Barça feel his cycle has come to an end and have suggested as much to him on several occasions.
They now suspect he's waiting to leave for free (his deal ends in 2021) or for as smaller fee as possible. Barça have no plan to renew his deal but also don't want him to leave for free.
Rakitic is not helping with any negotiations over a move away from Camp Nou. And he has communicated to the club his desire to finish his contract, which Barça are not keen on.
There have been various proposals from Italian clubs. But Barça know Rakitic is not huge on moving to Serie A or the Premier League. he would prefer to stay in Spain -- his preference is Sevilla but they haven't made a move because of the finances involved in the deal.
Barça believe Rakitic will delay and delay because time is on his side: he can leave for free in 2021.
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