Ivan Rakitić planning January exit to Juventus - report

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The Croatian may be looking to leave for more playing time

Ivan Rakitić has not given up on a move to Juventus, and will try to make it happen in the winter transfer window, according to Tuttosport. The Croatian was set on joining the Italian champions but Barcelona did not agree to get Emre Can in exchange and Juventus did not want to give up Federico Bernardeschi, per the report.

Rakitić has struggled for playing time since the arrival of Frenkie de Jong, and it is said he is looking to make his move and Juventus is the preferred destination. The bianconeri are committed to Rakitić as well, it is said, because he fits the mold of a prototypical midfielder for Maurizio Sarri’s system.

A report in Diario SPORT, however, says the Croatian is going to work his hardest to recover his position in the starting XI. Manager Ernesto Valverde has told the media that Rakitić will have to work hard if he wants to play more. There is an abundance of midfield talent in the Barcelona squad, but the first three matches in La Liga led to underwhelming results. The manager may opt to go to his trusted lieutenant to re-establish the pattern of wins in the last league season.

Source: barcablaugranes.com