Despite Interest From Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Former Barcelona Midfielder Ivan Rakitic Complete Al Shabab Medical Ahead of Move From Sevilla
With his contract running out in the summer, Sevilla has opted to cash out and sell Ivan Rakitic to Al Shabab. The Croatian has bid his teammates goodbye and is set for a new adventure.
In a post that all but confirmed the move, Rakitic posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Thank you for the love ♥️♥️♥️ @SevillaFC.” According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 35-year-old Sevilla vice-captain has completed his medical and will be signing a one-and-a-half-year deal at Al Shabab that will expire in June 2025.
The Croatian midfielder has had a trophy-laden career with 16 major trophies across several clubs. He most notably captained Sevilla to a UEFA Europa League trophy in 2013. Other accolades include the treble with Barcelona, a second Europa League trophy with Sevilla on his second term at the club, and starring in Croatia’s 2018 World Cup that saw them reach the finals.
Al Shabab managed to pip Inter Miami to his signature despite the attractiveness of a reunion between Rakitic and Lionel Messi, who were teammates at Barcelona. The Saudi Pro League side managed the feat despite lacking the financial muscle of PIF-owned clubs.
