---
title: "Barcelona: Ernesto Valverde told Ivan Rakitic during pre-season tour of Japan he wouldn’t feature"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/barcelona-ernesto-valverde-told-ivan-rakitic-during-pre-season-tour-of-japan-he-wouldnt-feature/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Callum Pragnell"
section: "La Liga News"
published: "2019-10-31T20:50:31Z"
modified: "2019-10-31T20:50:31Z"
---

# Barcelona: Ernesto Valverde told Ivan Rakitic during pre-season tour of Japan he wouldn’t feature

**Midfielder Ivan Rakitic has become frozen out at Barcelona.**

The Croatian has started just [one match](https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/ivan-rakitic-crucial-for-nine-years-dropped-in-the-10th-7706887) for the Blaugrana this term, with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Arthur all preferred in Ernesto Valverde’s starting XI.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

It is a strange situation for the 31-year-old, who has been relied upon heavily during his nine-year career in Spain. Firstly with Sevilla, the 2018 World Cup finalist was an [integral member](https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/ivan-rakitic-crucial-for-nine-years-dropped-in-the-10th-7706887) of the club’s first team under managers Gregorio Manzano, Marcelino, Michel and Unai Emery.

Then, having impressed for Sevilla, Rakitic earned himself a [£16m move](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ivan-rakitic/profil/spieler/32467) to Barcelona in 2014, where he once again became a regular feature for the Catalan giants, winning [12 major honours](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ivan-rakitic/erfolge/spieler/32467) with the club during the previous five campaigns.

This season, however, the Croatia international has become surplus to requirements, with it now looking a huge possibility that he will move on in 2020 – potentially to Italy – where [Inter Milan](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7625665/Inter-Milan-begin-talks-Barcelona-Ivan-Rakitic.html) are rumoured to be heavily interested in his services.

Manager Valverde reportedly told Rakitic back in the summer, during a pre-season tour of Japan, that he would see game-time limited upon the arrival of 22-year-old midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong, and it has been confirmed this season (via [Sport](https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/ivan-rakitic-crucial-for-nine-years-dropped-in-the-10th-7706887)).

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

It is a huge shame that Rakitic’s situation has turned so sour after so many years of [success](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ivan-rakitic/erfolge/spieler/32467) at the Camp Nou.

For the sake of the 31-year-old’s career, it seems a necessity that he departs next year; hopefully to a side which values all he has to offer, which is still plenty.

***Barca fans, would you be sad to see Rakitic leave the club? Comment your thoughts below…***