What Barcelona gets for signing Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic.
Barcelona are nearing the signing of Miralem Pjanic for Arthur Melo but many are questioning what it is that attracted the Catalan side to lose a promising midfielder in Arthur for a 30-year-old.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
One of the best things to ever happen to Pjanic is this strong interest from the Barca hierarchy, who are prepared to lose a young and talented player like Arthur to secure an aging footballer. The Bosnian international, already 30, is yet to win a Champions League trophy and he can also fulfill his long term dream of playing alongside Lionel Messi by joining the Spanish side.
Pjanic has an impressive career that endorses his worth, which includes spells with Metz, Lyon, A. S. Roma and now Juventus. He started his Serie A career when former Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, brought him to Roma back in 2011.
He has spent almost a decade in Serie A, totaling 355 apprentices for both Roma and Juventus, speaking for his great physic and professionalism to be picked by the best clubs on a regular basis. He is also the footballer with the most distance traveled in Serie A with 11.57km.
Undoubtedly a player with immense knowledge which allows him to be in the right place at the right time, allowing him to control the pace of the game. His awareness also allows him to be one of the best at regaining possession as he stands third in Juventus for the most ball recovery at 250, behind only center-defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt at 296 and 269 respectively. It’s not just his defensive traits but also his offensive contribution that allows him to be known as a versatile footballer among his former coaches.
In his time at Juve, Pjanic has scored 22 goals and provided 36 assists, but has substantially changed his playstyle over the years playing as a double pivot under both Massimiliano Allegri and Maurizio Sarri. This, however, does not stop Pjanic to continue his dangerous goal-scoring instincts when approaching the goal while also being strong free-kick and corner taker.
The only downside to Pjanic is his age as at 30 years of age, the Bosnian international will not be the long-term solution to Barca’s midfield issues.
Can Pjanic be successful at Camp Nou?