Ivan Rakitic will not be leaving Barcelona this summer after the Catalan club agreed to offer him an improved contract effectively ending Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of signing him.
The Croat's current contract runs out in 2021 but Barcelona are desperate to keep him and have therefore promised a more lucrative deal.
The only way PSG could still sign the midfielder is if they pay his 125 million euros release clause - unlikely considering the French club's problems with financial fair play.
The Blaugrana board, aware of PSG's interest, have moved quickly and done what was necessary to keep the player - who ultimately wanted to stay - happy.
The French champions were not the only reason for this new contract offer, as Rakitic has become a key cog in the Barcelona machine.
Although he only renewed his contract at the end of 2017, the 30-year-old's stock has since risen and he has become almost irreplaceable for coach Ernesto Valverde.
It is hard to imagine winning the double last season without him, considering the key partnership that he has formed with Sergio Busquets, as Luis Enrique's final year can now be forgotten.
Importantly, Rakitic is also a key player in the dressing room and it was surprising that he wasn't chosen amongst the four captains.
His influence is still unchanged though and, if anything, after his impact in the World Cup, he has become even more valuable.
It must not be forgotten that the midfielder's desire was always to stay at the Camp Nou.
He received a big financial offer from PSG, but in the end prioritised Barcelona who in turn responded with an improved contract.
prvkr
99
After Kante Pogba Pjanic Boa Filipe Rakitc Busquets and pretty much entire Europe now the next stop will maybe Kroos😂😂 That's PSG for you😂😂
prakashcr7
95
It will not be difficult for barca though he leave the club because they have Aurther, Malcom as their back up. But Ivan Rakitic has his own class. He was the key player when barcelona won the league. He is important player for barca and i don't think Rakitic have intension to leave the Club. I think he is happy at Barcelona.
Kimdpty
71
iPhone
Jattfanmessida
70
Hey PSG I am not for sale like Neymar.I am staying at camp nou with Messi and we're gonna win La liga again.Despite UEFA also. Love you Ivan and your loyalty
Elsa98
69
Ivan rakitic should stay at barcelona!
shray_srivastava
28
Give him whatever he needs, he's in the best phase of his career & is playing his best football at the moment, & is currently one of the best Midfielders in Europe. You cannot let him go, a stellar 17-18 season with a final appearance in World Cup with Croatia. Everything is happening for him, no wonder since his signing, he's been the most used player by Enrique & Valverde & has more mins then Messi or any other player for Barcelona in last four seasons. Spine of the team.