What would life without Ivan Rakitic be like for Barcelona?
The Croatian's future is under threat with PSG coming for him
Imagining our lives stripped of a fundamental pillar in our day to day would be very complicated. We are individual, independent beings, capable of surviving without the need for someone to give us a hand but people around us are important to have a more balanced and bearable existence. A somewhat cloying reflection but relevant in this situation. As you already know, SPORT announced a couple of days ago that PSG are very serious about signing Ivan Rakitic.
The Parisian team prepared a dizzying offer of about 100 million euros which would include a substantial increase in salary for the Croatian player. An information that has caused a small earthquake within Barcelona, who for a few years have maintained a tense relationship with PSG (with the Neymar earthquake still fresh in the mind). Rakitic is 30 years old and what PSG would put on a plate for him would probably be the last big contract of his career.
As we mentioned, just as for each one of us there are important people, unquestionable, fundamental pillars, for Barça the footballer born in Switzerland is key to their foundations. The role of the former Sevilla midfielder has only increased with the passage of time within first the schemes of Luis Enrique and now of Valverde. Rakitic is, to use a bit of a cliché, the player that every coach would want to have, the son-in-law with whom every mother-in-law would be delighted.
He works for the benefit of the team relentlessly, he brings wisdom to the game, he has a frightening mid-range shot and is tireless, one of Barcelona’s lungs. He is also one of the few players who can stand in for Busquets to give him a rest.
WHAT IF HE GOES?
With Rafinha heading to Real Betis, Barcelona would have to go to the market. With Busquets as the only defensive pivot and after selling players who could occupy that position, like André Gomes, the club only have Arthur (still a greenhorn who can not be charged with carrying the weight of filling Rakitic’s shoes), Philippe Coutinho, and Arturo Vidal (he would have to be important, but his profile is quite different), as well as Sergi Roberto - and Denis Suárez who Valverde does not trust. It is not enough.
Several names have already come out this summer when it comes to reinforcing the midfield. Ajax star Frankie De Jong is wanted. The young Dutchman, only 21 years old, is liked for his versatility (can play both as a defensive pivot and even as a center-back) and although they have been rebuffed so far, a bigger bid might change the Dutch club’s mind.
Another player linked is PSG’s Adrien Rabiot. He is willing to leave the French capital, although Thomas Tuchel has used him in all three games to date. Dani Parejo of Valencia would be much cheaper than those two, while Ander Herrera has been previously connected but that option has gone cold.
