FC Barcelona knows it needs to get better ahead of the upcoming season. The management needs to make a move quickly after Real Madrid won both LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League titles. And they need to move quickly if they want to remain in contention.
The first move was replacing Luis Enrique with Ernesto Valverde, a head coach who has all the traits needed to take FC Barcelona back to where they belong. But they also need to improve the team. And among their many needs, a central midfielder should become a priority. If there’s one area where Los Blaugranas can improve, that’s their midfield.
Sergi Roberto and Andre Gomes are not good enough to start. Javier Mascherano fits better as a centre back at this stage of his career. And Andres Iniesta is not getting any younger. They need help sooner than later.
Barcelona’s directors know this, and they have been testing the market to sign a midfielder. Marco Verratti is their prefered option, but the Italian would cost a massive transfer fee. And it remains to be seen whether PSG will decide to sell him. With Blaise Matuidi set to move to the Serie A, PSG might want to hold on to Verratti since he’s an integral part of the team’s future.
All things considered, Barcelona would be better if they look elsewhere. And it only takes a quick look to Italy to see the player they have been looking for features for Juventus. His name? Miralem Pjanic.
The Bosnian playmaker started his career with Olympique Lyon, but it didn’t take long before he jumped to the Serie A. He excelled at Roma, and looked even better with Juventus. He won the Serie A title in his first league, and also reached the UEFA Champions League final. And despite their 1-4 loss to Real Madrid, Pjanic was one of Juventus’ top player in that match.
Pjanic has shown several traits that would make him the perfect addition for Barcelona throughout his career. He’s a skilled passer, but he doesn’t do unneccesary tricks. He possesses an accurate touch, and excels in long passes. His composure is off the charts, and tends to play better in big games. But most importantly, he is young enough to transform himself into the perfect replacement for Iniesta.
The Bosnian international is 27 years old, which means any team that signs him in the next year or two will get him into his prime. But Juventus might be reluctant to part ways with him. After all, he’s an important player to the coaching staff, and his contract extends until the end of the 2020-21 season. Juventus paid €32 million to get him, so we could expect them selling him for around €50 million at least. That’s a lot of money, but he would still be cheaper than Verratti.
Ultimately Barcelona have the last word. And honestly, they are the ones who know which player fits their system better. But Pjanic is one of the best midfielders in the world right now. And based on his playing style and recent growth, he would be a perfect addition for a Barcelona side desperate for midfield help.