After a season of discontent at FC Barcelona, Croatian international midfielder Ivan Rakitic will head back to his former club in a move that will make the reigning Europa League champions even stronger.
FC Barcelona transferred Ivan Rakitic to Sevilla on Tuesday for a transfer fee of $1.8 million, which includes over $10 million in variables. With this move, Rakitic will return to the team where he broke out as a star in Spain.
After beginning his career at FC Basel and then spending time with Schalke 04 in Germany, Rakitic broke onto the scene during his 2011 to 2014 tenure with Sevilla. He scored 27 goals in 117 games with the team, helping them win the 2014 UEFA Europa League title.
Rakitic then moved to Barcelona, where he was a crucial part of a team that won a Champions League, four domestic leagues, and four Copas del Rey during his tenure with the Blaugrana.
Now, at 32 and with his playing time dwindling at Barca, Rakitic will look to revive his career with Julen Lopetegui’s side, which will have La Liga title aspirations and will compete in the Champions League in the upcoming season.
Rakitic is expected to report to Sevilla training at some point this week or next.
