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Barcelona need neither Emre Can nor Ivan Rakitić right now

By Chiranjib Ghosh

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - AUGUST 10: Emre Can of Juventus looks on during a match between Atletico Madrid and Juventus as part of International Champions Cup on August 10, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - AUGUST 10: Emre Can of Juventus looks on during a match between Atletico Madrid and Juventus as part of International Champions Cup on August 10, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona are involved in talks with Juventus over Can and Rakitić

Juventus and Barcelona currently have the same problem, too many midfielders. While the Old Lady do not need Emre Can after signing Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot on free transfers, Ivan Rakitić’s services are also no longer required by Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Barça have rechristened Sergi Roberto as a midfield, and signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax for a huge fee of €75 million. On the other hand, Carles Aleñá is desperate for more opportunities while Arthur’s similarity to Xavi has made him a huge crowd favourite.

Sergio Busquets is a permanent member of the first-team, and Arturo Vidal has proved himself to be a good substitute many times. Rakitić did very well in Valverde’s first season in charge, but his form waned away last season, leading to doubts.

There was a lot of interest in the 31-year old Croatia international over the summer as Barça had refused to give him a new deal. Manchester United had been interested, along with long-time suitors Inter Milan. But now, Juventus are in the fray for his signature.

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It is only Ernesto Valverde who is responsible for keeping Rakitić at the club. The experienced campaigner is a favourite of Valverde’s, and the Basque coach has been highly reluctant to let go of him. But that could have changed recently.

Rakitić has not made the starting lineup in any of Barça’s two league games, with Valverde choosing to field Frenkie de Jong and Sergi Roberto instead. After being benched against Real Betis, the World Cup finalist’s future seems to be uncertain.

On the other hand, Barça are in negotiations with Juventus over Emre Can. It is a sort of exchange deal which is brewing, with Can joining Barça and Rakitić moving in the other direction. But if the deal does go through, it will be absolutely pointless.

There is no shortage of good midfielders at Valverde’s disposal. Can is younger than Rakitić, and his versatility could certainly help the squad in the long run. But such a high-profile player is unlikely to be happy with a spot on the bench for so long.

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Eventually, even Emre Can will have to be offloaded, especially with emerging talents like Riqui Puig. So, it would be better if Barça decide to sell Rakitić and not sign a replacement. In that case, youngsters like De Jong and Aleñá would be under less pressure.