Sevilla return for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic ruled out

Sevilla sporting director Monchi believes Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic will return to the club one day but “in many years.”

The Croatian international captained the Andalusian team to the Europa League title in 2014 before joining the Blaugrana, for whom he has played for the past five seasons.

A report in Marca last month claimed that had been a mutual agreement between the midfielder and the Catalan club for a January transfer.

Rakitic has been an integral part of the club’s midfielder for five years but has featured only sparingly this season and whilst no transfer away has been finalised, it is now said to be a formality.

“I don't know and maybe in many years, but today it is very difficult,” Monchi told Canal Sur radio when asked if Rakitic could return to Sevilla in the future.

“He has a contract with Barcelona and is in Barcelona…however, he has not lost his love for our club, but today it is somewhat implantable.

“There are seven games left before the market opens, and with the Coach we will value the options and make decisions.”

Earlier in November, a report Movistar+ in Spain claimed Atletico Madrid would be willing to pay his €40m asking price, while Inter and Manchester United have also been linked with a January move.

The Croatian international’s current deal at the Camp Nou runs through until the summer of 2021 although Barca signed midfielders Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo last year and have landed Frenkie De Jong from Ajax this summer.

Carles Alena and Riqui Puig have also come through the club’s La Masia ranks to add further depth to the central midfield ranks, while Sergi Roberto can also be deployed there.

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