Former Barcelona star All Set For a Move to Saudi – Medical Done

Seasoned Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitić has left Spanish club Sevilla with immediate effect, opting to join Pro League side Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old’s departure comes as a shock to many Sevilla fans, considering his significant role in the team’s midfield over several seasons.

Rakitić’s decision to join Al Shabab has been officially confirmed following the successful completion of his medical assessment with the Saudi club.

Sources indicate that Rakitić had informed Sevilla of his intention to make a January exit, and he has already bid farewell to his teammates ahead of his journey to Saudi Arabia on Monday. Sevilla, looking to trim their wage bill, were keen on offloading the midfielder, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the current season.

Al Shabab, currently positioned 11th in the Saudi Pro League and perilously close to the relegation zone, sees Rakitić as the missing piece to improve their fortunes. The Croatian midfielder will fill the void left by Éver Banega, who recently departed for Argentine outfit Newell’s Old Boys.

Also Read: Saudi Pro League Transfers- All the Done Deals in January 2024

Ivan Rakitić, a former Barcelona player with six years of experience at the club, brings a wealth of expertise, having lifted 17 trophies since his debut with FC Basel in 2005. The move also reunites him with compatriot Igor Biscan, who took over as Al-Shabab’s manager last October with the aim of revitalizing the club.

Although the medical has been successfully completed, the official announcement of Rakitić’s transfer is still pending. Fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await details of the terms of the deal and further information on the circumstances surrounding this surprising departure from Sevilla.