Tottenham target Ivan Rakitic dismisses exit rumours

Barcelona midfield superstar Ivan Rakitic has shrugged off speculations of an exit from the club, amid reports linking him with a switch to Tottenham Hotspur. (h/t Daily Mail)

Rakitic has fallen down the pecking order at Camp Nou over the past year or so. The veteran Croatian international has gone from being an ever-present in the starting XI to a squad player. This had led to speculations over his immediate future at the club. (h/t Daily Mail)

A number of clubs had been linked with a move for the seasoned campaigner, including Tottenham Hotspur. It was claimed that Spurs were one of the favourites to land the 32-year-old in the summer window. (h/t Daily Star)

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of Rakitic, having called him one of the most underrated footballers in the recent past.

However, Rakitic has poured cold water on any potential transfer to Tottenham. The midfielder has stated that he intends to honour his contract with Barcelona, which expires next year. Speaking to TPortal (h/t Daily Mail), he said:

“I spoke to the club 10 or 15 days ago and the conclusion is that I have nothing to talk about because I have a contract until the summer of 2021 with Barcelona and it is the entity I want to be in and play with.”

The Croatian international further added that his family was well-settled in the city and he had no reason to think of an exit from Barcelona at the moment. (h/t Daily Mail)

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Rakitic wouldn’t have been a long-term prospect for Tottenham by any means. But given his experience, the Croatian would have been a handy short-term solution for Mourinho & co.  However, he has now categorically ruled out an exit from Barcelona.