Third time lucky as Barcelona finally land Miralem Pjanic
Barça tried to sign the Bosnian international in both 2017 and 2018
The folder on Miralem Pjanic has spent many years on the desks of FC Barcelona's sporting department. The club has always searched for technically sound midfielders and the Bosnian's ability hasn't gone unnoticed. He is seen as someone who could easily adapt to Barça's style.
He's a complete midfielder, a rocket of a right foot and is capable of organising the midfield, as well as setting the tempo. Many people have compared Pjanic with both Xavi and Iniesta but the truth is that he has his own, personal style. Pjanic's believes a move to Spain could help him develop his talent even further.
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM
Barça tried - and failed - to sign Pjanic on two previous occasions. He was also linked with a move to Barcelona last summer but the club had already made Frenkie de Jong their number one priority. The two attempts to sign Pjanic came in 2018 and 2018.
On both occasions, he was close to joining Barça but an agreement could never be reached between the two clubs. Juventus always insisted on a fee above €60m. At 30 years of age, Pjanic feels like his time in Italy has come to an end. He's extremely excited by the challenge at Barça.
Interestingly, Pjanic was actually close to signing for Real Madrid last summer. Zinedine Zidane saw the midfielder as the ideal replacement should Luka Modric's move to Inter Milan gone through.
Pjanic's flexibility will also help him fit into Barça's system. Like de Jong, he's comfortable playing deeper or further forward. His vision is unrivalled and has the creativity to unlock stubborn defences. Pjanic is stronger physically after years of plying his trade in Italy.
After three years, Pjanic will now get his chance to prove himself at the Camp Nou. The Bosnian international will be desperate to prove that he's ready to make the step up at Barça.
