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Barcelona Director Confirms Ivan Rakitic Offer, Says Club Never Wanted to Sell

Related Topics: Catalans, Barcelona

Barcelona sporting director Pep Segura has confirmed reports an offer came in for midfielder Ivan Rakitic during the summer but denied rumours the Catalans were open to a sale.

Speaking to Sport (h/t AS) Segura explained how Spain's mandatory buyout clauses can complicate possible transfers:

"We did not contemplate his exit. We knew that he had an option from a foreign club, but we had no interest in him going.

"In Spanish football, there's a complex weapon with the release clauses. We're the only league with [mandatory] release clauses and the danger [that the clauses are triggered] is there, but neither the club nor player wanted him to leave.