Signs pointing at Rakitic departure from Camp Nou

The departure of Ivan Rakitic from Camp Nou in January is all but confirmed, as pointed out by AS journalist Juan Jimenez.

Barcelona’s midfield section was practically impossible to imagine for several years, and his contribution was vital in their last four La Liga titles and as many Copa Del Rey trophies, as well as the 2015 Champions League triumph as he scored in the final.

All things eventually come to their end, and “time moves on for everyone”, as head coach Ernesto Valverde is quoted to have said on the subject, but the suddenness of Rakitic’s fall down the pecking order and the diminishing of his influence could hardly have been foreseen a few months ago. This term he’s made eight appearances so far, all from the bench, and not once for longer than 20 minutes.

It remains to be seen where he’ll be plying his trade next. He’s reportedly rejected an offer from Manchester United, but Inter Milan are still apparently interested in his services and seem perhaps his likeliest destination at the moment.