Barcelona have decided the future of almost every player in the current squad. Either you are with the team, or you look for a new club. Well, all but one player, anyway.
Nobody really knows about Miralem Pjanic’s situation. The Bosnian was on loan at Besiktas last season and it was presumed he’d be sold this window. However, through a couple of good cameos and a decent relationship with Xavi, it seems he has almost turned his situation around.
Pjanic wants to continue at Barcelona next season, despite having some very interesting offers on the table. Three clubs, in particular, are keeping tabs on his situation. According to SPORT, these are Juventus, Lazio, and Napoli.
Recent reports have stated that Pjanic’s professionalism and desire to succeed with the Blaugrana have impressed Xavi, who is ready to speak to him in the coming days. Presumably, this will be about the salary scale.
The 32-year-old was offered the same salary at Barcelona that he had at Juventus, which exceeds the club’s current sub-€10 million model. Should he continue, it is almost certain that Joan Laporta and co. will ask him to take a pay-cut.
Xavi used Pjanic as a backup to Sergio Busquets during pre-season, and the Bosnian performed rather well. His passing range, quick release and vision make him a like-for-like replacement for the Spaniard.
That said, he has the same problems as Busquets, including dodgy defensive positioning and some evident lack of pace.
As is the case with all transfers this summer, the final decision will rest with Xavi, who has planned his squad meticulously. Expect more rumours about this in the coming days.