In a recent report, The Daily Express mentioned that Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic could head back to Juventus this summer. It is believed that the Catalan giants are willing to let the Bosnia-Herzegovina international leave so that they can reduce their wage bill with Juve in a good position to snap him up in this off-season (via The Daily Express).
Pjanic’s Mounting Struggles In Spanish Football
Pjanic has fallen out of favor at the Nou Camp after struggling to earn regular first-team opportunities under Ronald Koeman’s tutelage last season. The veteran midfielder did not manage to score or assist a single goal for Barca in 30 matches for them in various competitions.
The 31-year-old flattered to deceive with his contributions at the heart of Koeman’s midfield as he averaged 0.8 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. At least he distributed possession with accuracy after making 91.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via whoscored).
At the moment, Pjanic is surplus to requirements at the Catalan club with Koeman desperate to sell off some of his fringe players to reduce his wage bill ahead of the new campaign. Hence, the Bosnia-Herzegovina star would be wise to switch clubs this summer and make a fresh start away from Spain.
Pjanic Set To Head Back To Juventus: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Pjanic is an experienced midfielder who can pass the ball with a lot of conviction from midfield. He has a wide range of passes in his locker and is proficient at unlocking the opponent’s defence with a killer ball when he is playing well on the field.
However, the 100-time Bosnia-Herzegovina international lacked the cutting edge in the final third last season which could be why Barca are looking to cash in on him before the start of the new season. The Catalans can benefit a lot from parting ways with Pjanic as it will ease their financial concerns by reducing the wage bill.
Koeman has already got Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong as his first-choice midfielders with Riqui Puig playing as their back-up in his match-day squad. Hence, he has no reason to stop Pjanic from going back to Italy this summer.
The talented midfielder can also profit from sealing a move back to Juventus so that he can try and rediscover his old form in Serie A. Hence, Pjanic’s Juve return will be a good move for everyone involved during this summer transfer window as they look to move on in search of greener pastures.
