13 November 2023 , 13:33
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Ivan Rakitic has proved Lionel Messi 's desire for a reunion at Inter Miami right with co-owner David Beckham put on alert ahead of a potential free transfer next summer.
According to El Gol Digital, Messi asked Beckham to try to sign Sevilla and Croatia midfielder Rakitic, who he played with for several years at Barcelona, which saw the pair win four LaLiga titles and a Champions Leagues together.
The 35-year-old has less than a year left on his deal at Sevilla, meaning he can move for free following its expiration. A pre-contract could even be agreed in the New Year. The midfielder has proved he has still got it, though, and that he wouldn't be there for a payday.
The 2018 World Cup finalist scored a long-range effort for Sevilla in the 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Sunday. Rakitic bounced the ball off the surface with his first touch before finding the top left corner in the Derby match.
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Sevilla are interested in keeping Rakitic but they reportedly want him to take a pay cut to re-sign. The Spanish Club were riddled with debt in the summer, with some outlets reporting £78.5million worth, and as a result every player in the squad was transfer-listed.
Rakitic isn't the only ex-Barcelona player linked with a move to Miami in the offseason. Legendary striker Luis Suarez could also join Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba on their MLS adventure. The Croatian and Suarez would be massive additions for Inter Miami, who narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last season.
Messi, Busquets, and Alba's rescue mission were too little too late. The trio did, however, help Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup and reach the US Open Cup Final, where they lost to Houston Dynamo. And in a boost to Messi, Rakatic, and Suarez's reunion, where they are in the timeline of their career won't play too much of a role in the transfers.
Rakatic and Messi played together at Barcelona (Getty)
Messi wants the midfielder to join him in Miami (Getty)
"I've always said that if I had the opportunity I would bring the best players to Miami, regardless of where they are in their careers. I made that commitment to our fans," Inter Miami co-owner Becks has said previously.
Rakitic spent his early years playing in Switzerland, notably, Basel. A stint in Germany at Schalke put him on the map, earning a move to Spain to Sevilla in 2011. But after just three years, he was on the move again to one of the biggest clubs in world football, Barcelona.
He stayed in Catalonia for six years before returning to Sevilla in 2020 and he helped the Club win the Europa League last season.