Barcelona have completed the signing of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla, with Denis Suarez being loaned out to the Andalusian club in return.
The Croatian midfielder was arguably the most in-form midfielder in La Liga last season, helping Sevilla to a Europa League title success and being the only man in the Spanish top flight to score past the top three – Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
And, his impressive performances for the Andalusian club had gained interest from a number of big spending European clubs, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all mentioned.
However, after long negotiations between officials from Barcelona and Real Madrid, it is has now been confirmed that Rakitic will move to the Camp Nou this summer, with youngster Denis Suarez expected to go the other way on a short term loan deal.
The exact transfer fee for Rakitic is yet to be announced but it is thought to be in the region of £15m with the addition of Suarez, whom has been playing for Barcelona’s successful B side since joining the Catalan club from Manchester City in 2013.
Barcelona confirmed via their website that Rakitic had signed a five year deal with the club.