BARCELONA: Barcelona have confirmed the purchase of Croatia World Cup midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla.

Rakitic, oustanding in the Croats’ 3-1 defeat by Brazil in the Opening Match of the finals last week, has agreed a five-year contract.

The transfer deal includes Barcelona’s loaning Denis Suárez to Sevilla for the next two seasons.

Rakitic, 26, had spent three seasons with Sevilla and starred as captain and playmaker in their Europa League triumph this past season.

He scored 15 goals in 59 appearances in all competitions.

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