Ivan Rakitic reportedly available and Everton must rekindle summer interest

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It seems as though Barcelona are ready to move on Croatian international Ivan Rakitic in January. The arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax has seen the 31-year-old struggling for regular playing time for the Catalan giants this season.

As reported by MARCA, the World Cup finalist is set to leave after falling down the pecking order at the Nou Camp. They suggest both Manchester United and Juventus as keen but should Everton be in the mix as well?

The Guardian reported in the summer that Everton were ‘slightly interested’ in Rakitic as it became clear he was not going to have the significant role he was used to with Blaugrana. 

Based on the team’s start to the new season, turning that ‘slight’ interest into something concrete would be a good move from the Toffees. 

Rakitic could add some guile to Everton’s inconsistent midfield area, where the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Fabian Delph, Andre Gomes, and Gylfi Sigurdsson have all struggled this term.

Everton, of course, have a good relationship with Barcelona, signing Gomes, Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne from the club in recent transfer windows. 

Whilst Rakitic might be looking to remain in the Champions League, a loan spell at Everton would surely appeal, considering the near-guaranteed first-team football he would likely get at Goodison Park. 

If that could then be turned into something permanent, then Everton might pull off yet another solid raid on Barcelona.