After only half a season with Al Shabab, Ivan Rakitic has returned to Europe with a move to Hajduk Split in his native Croatia. The midfielder has signed a contract till 2026 with the club, and his arrival will be made official imminently.
The 36-year-old scored a goal and provided an assist in eight games in the Saudi Pro League. He spent the first half of the season with Sevilla, scoring two goals and providing an assist in 18 LaLiga games while also providing three assists in six Champions League games.
Ivan Rakitic signs for Hajduk Split after Saudi Arabia stint
🚨🇭🇷 Ivan Rakitić to Hajduk Split, here we go! Deal done on two year contract valid until June 2026.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2024
Rakitić leaves Al Shabab despite good time in Saudi as wanted to take chance to play in Croatia.
Kalinic as director, Perisić as teammate, Gattuso as coach made difference. pic.twitter.com/6hbeh14ZNP
Rakitic’s most prolific spell came for Barcelona, with the Croatian spending six years with the Blaugrana and playing 310 games, scoring 35 goals and providing 42 assists.
He won four LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles, alongside the 2014-15 Champions League before returning to Sevilla to win his second Europa League title with the record champions.
Interestingly, Ivan Rakitic becomes only the second player to return to Europe after a Saudi Arabia move following Jordan Henderson, who is now at Ajax after a brief spell in the Middle East following his Liverpool career.
