Locatelli signs for Juventus, throwing Pjanic's future into doubt

Manuel Locatelli's move from Sassuolo to Juventus has given FC Barcelona a real headache.

Not only are they struggling to move on high earners such as Samuel Umtiti and Philippe Coutinho, but their chances of selling Miralem Pjanic have today taken a significant blow. Barça were hoping that Juventus would take the Bosnian midfielder off their hands, helping them to significantly reduce their wage bill. The player himself was keen to move, and was even willing to take a wage cut to make the move happen.

Koeman has already demonstrated that Pjanic does not feature in his plans, having not selected the player in his first match day squad of the season. In Barça's 'Gamper' friendly against Juventus, some pockets of fans also made their feelings known about Pjanic's position at the club. However, with Manuel Locatelli moving from Sassuolo to Juventus, Barça's chances of shifting the player have taken a real blow. Now, they will only be able to sign the Bosnian midfielder if they find a new suitor for ex-Arsenal player Aaron Ramsey.

Locatelli has signed for Juve on an initial loan deal with an obligatory purchase clause set at 35 million euros.