Ivan Rakitic

[Dinpomp]

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Footbal..._Redknapps_pursuit_of_Croatian_playmaker.aspx

EXCLUSIVE: Agent confirms Redknapp's pursuit of Croatian playmaker


Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:13 December 2010 - 15:06

Sport.co.uk understands Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position in the race to sign Schalke 04’s Ivan Rakitic with a decision on the player’s future set to be made in the next two weeks.

Rakitic, 22, has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid and Bolton Wanderers in the past, although the player's chief representative Max Ursheler confirmed that it was Harry Redknapp who looked the most likely to seal a deal, with a decision on the player's future expected in the next two weeks.
“I was just chatting to Ivan and the situation is that I am flying out to see him to discuss his future," confirmed Ursheler.
"For the moment he is concentrating on Schalke, and the last two games until the break where I will meet him to discuss things.

“I have had a lot of clubs contact me regarding his future, but we do not know at this moment what Ivan’s decision will be and where he will end up. We will have time to have a discussion at Christmas and we will go from there.

“Tottenham Hotspur is a really good club and Harry Redknapp is a very good manager. I know Harry well and I have known him for a long time, but for the moment we do not make a decision, it is too earlier because Ivan is concentrating on Schalke. We must have a discussion and then look to make a decision in two weeks."

Rakitic has 25 caps for Croatia having played previously for both Switzerland and Croatia at under-21 level. The number 10 can sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from January as his contract runs out at the Bundesliga outfit in the summer.

 

[Donki]

Never heard of him or seen him play but 25Caps for Croatia and only 22yo and Croatia aint short of a decent midfielder.

 

[Hrvatska Heroes]

I like Rakitic and he's only young. Could be a good squad player.

 

[Dinpomp]

Originally started off as an attacking midfielder and/or second striker. For Croatia, often played on the left of a 4-4-2. Magath has turned him into a second defensive midfielder (4-2-3-1) or central mid in a 4-3-3.

Has become much better defensively in the last year-and-a-half under Magath. He's by no means a defensive force, but he's improved to the point where he can play centrally without being a defensive liability. His tactical awareness and work rate have also improved greatly.

Very good at set pieces (corners, free-kicks, both on goal and as crosses, and penalties).

Has a very good shot and will shoot from distance.


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(He tends to score some spectacular goals, this one with his weaker left foot)

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[fridgemagnet]

If we are looking at him then it can only be because Niko's off, from the little i've seen of him i'd say he's a bit quicker than Niko both out of the blocks and top speed and hits a very good freekick, i really can't see how he'd slot in other than as a Niko replacement, i think he can play on both wings though.

If we are snffing around Croatians though Petrić would be worth a punt IMHO

 

[nferno]

would love to have him

 

[dimiSpur]

He's an awesome prospect, only 22, but is he not a left winger?

 

[dimiSpur]

Just read the final line, FREE! Snap him up!

 

[Kingellesar]

Would love him at the club, think he would fit in well with the squad. Free transfer too, must have. Could make some serious money from this one.

 

[freeeki]

would love to have him

Me too, he's fit right? Om nom nom nom.

From a footballing perspective, I know nothing about him, but looking at his stats I imagine he's worth a punt on a free.

 

[nferno]

:lol: u know what i mean!

 

[Dinpomp]

According to AS, Atlético have offered Rakitić a 3-year deal worth €5,4 million.

 

[Viva la Tottenham]

Rakitic on a free

yes please

 

[ever]

how can athletico offer him a contract when he isnt in the last 6 months of a contract?

 

[Dinpomp]

how can athletico offer him a contract when he isnt in the last 6 months of a contract?

His contract expires 30.06.2011.

 

[ever]

His contract expires 30.06.2011.

yup, which means that he can start discussions on a free transfer outside of his league on the 1st January 2011 at the earliest

 

[Dinpomp]

yup, which means that he can start discussions on a free transfer outside of his league on the 1st January 2011 at the earliest

You can't, without the club's permission. But Schalke have granted Rakitic permission to speak to other clubs on the basis that they have the last word on the transfer. They are reviewing it and plan on renegotiating with the player. Magath wants him to stay. But if he does leave, they are hoping to at least get a nominal fee (they are trying to get at least 2m euros).

 

[Viva la Tottenham]

You can't, without the club's permission. But Schalke have granted Rakitic permission to speak to other clubs on the basis that they have the last word on the transfer. They are reviewing it and plan on renegotiating with the player. Magath wants him to stay. But if he does leave, they are hoping to at least get a nominal fee (they are trying to get at least 2m euros).

Schalke don't have a leg to stand on

if they get a fee I'll be well surprised, the balls with Rakitic if he wants to give them 2mil euros which he could easily pocket himself

 

[Zimmy]

I bet he has one eye on a move to WHL given our Croatian connections.

We haven't been let down by any of them yet so I'm all for this transfer even if I've never really seen Rakitic play.

 

[THOWIG]

He's shown glimpses of the form this season from two years ago. He's been played in a different role this year and has adapted well.

I'm pleased we are looking at players from the Bundesliga as there is some incredible talent in the league.