Ivan Rakitic is expected to stay at Barcelona and has the support of Luis Enrique for a new contract promised by President Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Barca’s surprise signing of Valencia’s Andre Gomes, and a tweet from an agent who had represented Rakitic in the past which suggested it was time for the Croatian to leave Camp Nou, led to speculation over the 28-year-old’s future.
However, AS reports Raktic is happy in Catalonia and isn’t considering leaving, despite being aware of interest from Serie A, the Bundesliga and the Premier League, as he knows he has the backing of his Coach.
That’s despite Enrique often substituting Rakitic during the course of games, AS arguing that’s to try to prevent wear and tear on the midfielder and not a comment on his contribution, Rakitic being subbed off in more than half his games last season.
Rakitic was promised a new contract by Barca earlier in 2016 and Enrique is in favour of the proposal, even though Rakitic has three more years on his existing deal and a clause of €100m.
It’s said that the size of the clause isn’t relevant in his case as he wouldn’t leave Barca.