Football

Barcelona manager sends Ivan Rakitic message amid Manchester United transfer speculation

Published

7 years ago

July 23, 2019

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valderde has warned Ivan Rakitic that he might not be a guaranteed starter this coming season and he will have to ‘earn’ his place, amid Manchester United transfer speculation.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to add a midfielder to his squad as he continues his summer rebuild to fill the void left by Ander Herrera, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

United have been linked with a list of potential players to fill the role, from all across the world, though it is Sporting captain Bruno Fernandes and Newcastle’s combative youngster Sean Longstaff who have emerged on the club’s short-list.

One name who has continued to pop up regardless, however, is Barca’s Croatian, all-action midfielder Rakitic.

The World Cup finalist has been a mainstay in the Catalonian’s midfield since he joined in 2015 and has gone on to make 268 appearances, winning four La Ligas, four Spanish cups and the Champions League.