Barcelona man set to stay despite exit rumors

VALENCIA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Ivan Rakitic of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on January 25, 2020 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Ivan Rakitic of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on January 25, 2020 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona no longer contemplating selling midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

The winter transfer window has been a mixed bag for Barcelona. Along with needing to find a replacement striker for Luis Suarez, the club has been working on exits for players who are not in their plans.

One such player is Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic. He’s been rumored with a move away since before the season started. As it stands, he is set to remain a Barcelona player.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, the club have all but discarded the possibility of Rakitic leaving during the winter transfer window.

He had been heavily linked with a move to Juventus with Federico Bernadeschi headed the other way.

That move failed to materialize because Juventus wanted cash to go along with Rakitic and the two sides could not settle on amount.

Rakitic has had an up-and-down season after losing his place under Ernesto Valverde before gradually winning his place back.

However, he lost it again with Arturo Vidal bringing a much-needed spark to the side whenever he’s on the field.

Under Setien, that still feels like the case.

Rakitic has continually expressed his desire to stay at the club and that he’s happy. At the same time, he wants to play and with the turbulence facing the Blaugrana at the moment, that’s going to be a tough ask.

Setien knows that he needs to right the ship as quick as he can and that most likely means playing Arturo Vidal more which in turn means Rakitic will be the one sacrificed.

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While he’s set to stay put for now, Barca may be more willing to listen to offers come the end of the season. Rakitic has been a good player for the club but given his time at the club is coming to end. Especially with the likes of Riqui Puig and Carles Aleña itching to get a chance.