After a lone season in Catalunya, the writing is already on the wall for Miralem Pjanic. Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman wasn’t fancied by his skills and, with the Dutchman remaining at the helm of the club for another campaign, the Bosnian better find himself new employers.
The midfielder spent nine years in Italy, arriving as a young prospect from Lyon in 2011, before eventually leaving as an established veteran. Therefore, Pjanic still has suitors in Serie A as his former clubs, Roma and Juventus, as well as Inter, are all interested in his signature according to the latest reports.
But which side would make his most suitable destination? Let’s try to find out.
Inter
Despite the departure of Antonio Conte and the appointment of Simone Inzaghi, not much is expected to change at the Nerazzurri from a tactical point of view, as the new manager should maintain the 3-5-2 formation adopted by his predecessor.
In midfield, Marcelo Brozovic remains irreplaceable as the lynchpin that holds the lines together. Although Pjanic used to operate in similar role at Juventus, the Croatian’s physical attributes gives him an edge and the former would have to get accustomed to a different role should he join Inter.
Nicolò Barella’s energetic displays are unmatched, which leaves one spot open for the taking. Following Christian Eriksen’s horrifying collapse at Euro 2020, the Italian champions were quick to replace him with Hakan Calhanoglu.
Nonetheless, some observers are unconvinced with the latter’s ability to adapt to as a center midfielder to the left of Brozovic, whilst the Bosnian had several years of experience in this position prior to joining the Old Lady.
Miralem Pjanić is a 'serious' prospect for Inter Milan this summer. The unsettled Bosnian has been looking to be sold this summer and a move to the San Siro seems possible for the midfielder. (La Repubblica)
— TRANSFER NEWS FUßBAL (@FuNewz) July 10, 2021
Juventus
After switching clubs with Arthur Melo, neither man managed to impress in the first year following the exchange deal. However, the former Lyon man could be given the opportunity to undo his transfer to Barcelona and reunite with Max Allegri.
A tempting offer undoubtedly, but would it be a wise choice? Most Bianconeri fans seem to be against this return, perhaps because they feel it would jeopardize Manuel Locatelli’s awaited transfer to Turin.
However, the Italian is expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo and company at the end of the day. And between the club’s big investment and a returning veteran on loan, the scale is likely to favor the Sassuolo man – if both men were to compete for a starting berth at the regista role.
Compagni, amici, fratelli.
Questo è il calcio ❤️
Complimenti ?? pic.twitter.com/6V0argrNWc— Miralem Pjanic (@Miralem_Pjanic) July 11, 2021
Roma
Yet another potential return towards a former club. Whilst Inter or Juventus would offer Pjanic the chance to play Champions League football – as well as a good odds of lifting the Scudetto title by the end of the season – the Romans would give him the opportunity to work under the tutelage of José Mourinho.
But how much the Special One would be excited by this arrival remains unclear. The Portuguese tactician obviously wants a warrior in midfield and he should soon get his wish with the signing of Granit Xhaka from Arsenal.
However, Mourinho isn’t always impressed with technical midfielders, especially those who prove to be too tired to cover the grass in their running, which is why a return to the capital could be a risky move for the veteran who already showed some signs of slowing down in the last two campaigns.
#Sport |
? Barca's board has received offers from AS Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus FC for the loan of Miralem Pjanić.?The Bosnian wants to move to Italy with a guarantee that he will receive the same wages that he currently receive at Barcelona pic.twitter.com/ur7jWxmKVX
— Benny Bernard (@BennyBenard4) July 15, 2021
Conclusion
As we can notice – at least according to our assessment – the player’s three options are all enticing ones but none can be considered perfect.
At Roma, the Bosnian runs the risk of failing to convince his manager with his characteristics. On the other hand, he’ll find an old trusting ally at Juventus, but the emergence of a young group of midfielders could cast him aside.
Weirdly enough, Inzaghi’s team might just be his best bet at this point. Pjanic will find some stern competition for a starting spot at Inter, but the former Lazio manager could be planning to deploy him in a similar role to the one performed by Luis Alberto.
Perhaps a return to a more advanced role on the pitch could prove to be exactly what he needs as he attempts to reignite his playing career.