Ernesto Valverde warned Barcelona against selling Ivan Rakitic in the final week of the transfer window amid reports Paris Saint-Germain will offer €90 million for the midfielder.
However, Diario Sport have claimed the Croatia international is considering a double-your-wages offer from PSG, adding that Barca could be tempted to cash in given the money on offer.
“Ivan is a fundamental player for our team and I am counting on him,” Valverde said in a news conference on Friday, when asked if Rakitic could leave Camp Nou.
“His statistics are there for everyone to see. Look at the importance he had in the team last year. It’s understandable that other teams might want our players, but I hope he continues here.”
Pressed on the idea that selling Rakitic would represent good business, given he is now into his 30s and was signed for just €18m, Valverde made it quite clear that he did not agree with that assessment.
He added: “I want to have the best players possible for the season. And Ivan is one of them. He knows how we play, he’s heavily involved with the team and with the club.
“We’re not here to do business [with our players], we’re here to win and to keep making the trophy room even bigger.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate