Alena expects ‘super important’ Rakitic to stay at Barca

The Croatian has been linked with a summer exit

Carles Alena says he expects Ivan Rakitic to still be a Barcelona player next season despite speculation over the Croatian’s future at the Camp Nou.

The midfielder has been linked with a variety of clubs throughout the campaign, and Alena was asked about Rakitic in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

“It is his decision, but my personal opinion is that he will stay. He is a player who has been here for many years, maybe he has some offers, I do not know, you should ask him,” he said.

“He is a super important player for our midfield, he gives the balance the team need.”

Rakitic has repeatedly insisted this season that he wants to stay, but reports have suggested Barca won’t offer him an extension on his current deal that expires in 2021.

The arrival of Frenkie de Jong in the summer will increase competition for places in Barca’s midfield, and there’s been speculation Rakitic is one of several players who could be sold to raise funds.