One of Ivan Rakitic’s agents has put suitors on red alert after posting a cryptic tweet claiming it’s time to leave following Andre Gomes’ arrival.
Barcelona completed a deal worth up to €50m to sign Gomes from Valencia on Thursday and the Portugal international would prove as direct competition for Rakitic’s starting spot.
The former Sevilla midfielder only joined Barcelona two years ago but believes his performances, particularly last season, warrant improved terms.
“I think it’s time to leave,” Miquel Sors, one of the agents that works with Arturo Canales, Rakitic’s official representative, tweeted on Friday evening.
No central midfielder has scored more goals in the last five La Liga campaigns than Rakitic (16).
For more stats on Ivan Rakitic, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
Not so far-fetched, Barca and Real Madrid do have a tendency to ostracise players not of Spanish or Portugeuse descent.