Barcelona star to replace departing Ander Herrera at Manchester United
Manchester United want Ivan Rakitić as a replacement for Ander Herrera
The Copa del Rey final at the Benito Villamarín is likely to be Ivan Rakitić’s last match in Barcelona colours, with interest in him intensifying. After Inter Milan initially reignited interest, another one of the Croatian playmaker’s former suitors have reignited interest in him.
Manchester United will see many of its midfielders leave in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Ander Herrera joining Paris Saint-Germain, Juan Mata’s contract expiring and Paul Pogba set to leave for Real Madrid or any other big club.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has asked the Red Devils to sign Ivan Rakitić, as a replacement for Ander Herrera. The two players have similar playing styles, and the 31-year old World Cup winner is a massive upgrade on the former Athletic Bilbao man.
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Barça are likely to make a big profit on Rakitić, and have a replacement already lined up in the form of Rodri. The Atlético defensive midfielder’s signing could facilitate Frenkie de Jong’s introduction into the midfield in his natural position.
If Barça do get rid of Rakitić, it will be a mutually beneficial deal. The club can offload an ageing player who is slowly moving past his prime, and reduce the burden on the wage bill quite a lot. It could make way for new high-profile signings like that of Matthijs de Ligt.
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As for Rakitić, he is used to the high-tempo football which the Premier League characterises. He will fit in at Manchester United with ease, and has the potential to reinvent himself under Solskjær as he did under Valverde leading up to the World Cup in Russia.