Rakitic joins Hajduk Split after six-month Saudi spell

Ivan Rakitic has completed a permanent transfer to Hajduk Split following the termination of his contract by mutual consent at Al-Shabab.

Rakitic, who made eight appearances for Vitor Pereira’s side, leaves the club six months after joining from Sevilla in the January transfer window.

The 36-year-old scored on his debut against Damac FC, but would miss much of the season through injury as Al-Shabab finished eighth in the league.

Rakitic, who was born in Switzerland, joins the 15-time Croatian Football League champions on a year-long deal, with the option of a further year.

The former Barcelona midfielder arrives at the club with great pedigree, having made 106 appearances for Croatia over a 12-year international career.

Rakitic was part of Zlatko Dalic’s side that reached the World Cup final in 2018, and has won 16 honours throughout his professional career at club level.

The club and @ivanrakitic have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, wishing him well in his future endeavours pic.twitter.com/cK6n1Afskr

— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) July 20, 2024