Barcelona have announced on their official website that they have completed the signing of Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic this summer. The Catalans have also disclosed that it will cost them €60m plus €5m in variables to sign the Bosnia-Herzegovina international who will pen a four-year contract at the Nou Camp that will also contain a release clause of €400m (via fcbarcelona.com).
Pjanic’s Impressive Form At Turin This Season
The 30-year-old has experienced another solid season at the Allianz Stadium after producing some mesmerising displays at the heart of Maurizio Sarri’s midfield. He has featured in 37 matches for the Turin giants this term, netting three goals and providing five assists in multiple competitions which showcase his growing influence in the opposition half.
The talented playmaker has been an all-round performer for Juve this season based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.9 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.7 crosses per game in the Serie A and the UEFA Champions League so far. He also boasts a pass completion rate of 90.1% in league football which highlights how tidy he has been with his ball-distribution (stats via whoscored).
Pjanic has got a wealth of experience at the international stage after representing Bosnia-Herzegovina in 92 matches while scoring 14 goals for his country in the process. Hence, his transfer to Barca will only enhance his chances of ensuring a place in Dušan Bajević’s senior team in the years to come.
What Will The Experienced Midfielder Bring To Catalonia?
Pjanic displays great composure when in possession of the ball and has outstanding close control and terrific balance to keep the ball moving for his team in the middle of the park. He has a wide range of passes in his locker and can create some promising goal-scoring opportunities in the opposition half.
The former AS Roma playmaker is also a set-piece specialist and can produce some decent services from dead-ball situations in the attacking third. He has enjoyed his role as a holding midfielder under Sarri’s stewardship and has done well to make a few vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team.
Pjanic will not only add more goals and creativity to Quique Setien’s midfield but also improve the overall quality of his squad. Furthermore, he will increase competition for the likes of Arturo Vidal, Frenkie de Jong, Riqui Puig, Ivan Rakitić and Sergio Busquets in the race to secure one of the midfield spots in the Barca first-team next season.
At 30, Pjanic still has a few years left in his locker to play at a high level and could help the Catalans challenge for some major trophies in the coming seasons. At the same time, the circumstances of his arrival have left a sour taste in the mouths of the Barcelona supporters due to the departure of Arthur Melo, who will move in the other direction and join Juventus in the upcoming campaign.
