Finally, it’s time for the Barcelona fans to be ecstatic as reports emerge that the club have made an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Miralem Pjanic. Sport reveals that the Juve man will move to the Catalan club in a deal that will see Barca receive Miralem Pjanic, Mattia De Sciglio and £22.4 million for Nelson Semedo. The latter will travel to Turin.
As Barcelona get their man in Pjanic, they also receive Sciglio as an additional bonus. Here we take a look at what the Italian would bring to Camp Nou next season.
The rise of Mattia De Sciglio
27-year-old Sciglio joined AC Milan at the age of 10 and been part of the youth team till 2011. After that, he was inducted into the first team and made his debut in September of 2011 in a Champions League clash. From the second season onwards, the Italian national team member became a regular part of the squad at his preferred right-back position.
Sciglio made 110 appearances in the Serie A for Milan in the six seasons that he stayed with the club. Following his impressive performances, in 2017, the player joined Juventus where he has been plying his trade since. So far he has appeared in 42 League matches for the club and scored one goal in the process.
What will he bring to Barca?
A right-back by trade, Sciglio can also operate on the left side with ease. His versatility is breathtaking as he has been deployed at times as a right-sided midfielder as well. The formal Milan man is full of pace and technically astute, which helps him take part in the attack for his team.
Sciglio is known for his maturity and composure, typical traits of Italian defenders and one can see glimpses of Paolo Maldini in his game. The other things that Sciglio is known for are his decision making and timing. The Italy international has a good vision, and his ability to read the game is exemplary.
Why is it a good deal for Setién?
The Catalans would get a direct replacement for Nelson Semedo in Sciglio in the deal that they have made with Juventus. This season Semedo has played in 21 matches for Barca and Sciglio would be an ideal man to replace him in the squad.
Apart from that Sergi Roberto is already there in the team and in the transitional phase, Roberto can guide Sciglio. Additionally, Barca are acquiring an accomplished midfielder like Miralem Pjanic in this deal. Therefore it would be a no-brainer for the board to get this deal over the line as soon as possible.
