Liverpool favorites to land Barcelona star following Coutinho's departure

Ivan Rakitic could find his way out of Barcelona to Anfield as Coutinho enters his position

The Crotian international has been regular and has helped Barcelona in winning two La liga tittles, three spanish cup titles, Champions League and others since he joined the club in 2014.Barcelona’s other midfielders have been in fine form this season, with summer signing Paulinho impressing the most. Andreas Iniesta continues to excel despite nearing the twilight of his career, while Sergio Busquets remains a vital cog in the Barcelona engine room.

That leaves Rakitic’s future uncertain at Camp Nou following the arrival of Coutinho. The 29-year-old is supposedly open to a move away but will only consider his options after the World Cup, which kicks off in June in Russia. However, speaking of Coutinho’s deal, Rakitic has suggested Barcelona may have overpaid for the Brazilian playmaker.

Diario Gol claims that Liverpool are interested in snapping up Rakitic after selling Coutinho. The report also suggests that Arsenal are also eager to strike a deal for the Croatian star, while Serie A champions Juventus remain keen to sign the midfielder at the end of the season. 

However, speaking of Coutinho’s deal, Rakitic has suggested Barcelona may have overpaid for the Brazilian playmaker.

“My opinion doesn’t matter, but the price has gone a bit high, that’s what the market dictates,” Rakitic was quoted as saying by Marca.”

“Every great player is welcome here. I congratulate the president and everyone else who made it possible for him to be here. He is one of the family now, we are going to enjoy him a lot, he’s now at the biggest club in the world.”

“We are happy another player has joined us, one who is among the very best. Obviously, he can’t play in the Champions League, but we already knew that. He will help us in LaLiga and hopefully the Copa del Rey, but we must give him time to settle,”

The Barcelona midfielder may want to stay till the end of the season due to the fact he would miss out on winning La Liga with runaway leaders Barcelona, and playing in the Champions League therefore a summer deal could be considered.

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