Real Madrid are reportedly set to hold talks with Barcelona misfit Miralem Pjanic over a potential summer transfer with the Catalans keen on offloading him.
In a bit of a bizarre report carried by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, it is claimed that Barcelona outcast Miralem Pjanic is angling for a move to arch-rivals Real Madrid this summer after enduring a difficult debut season at Camp Nou.
Pjanic arrived at Barcelona in the summer transfer window last year from Juventus in a move that saw Arthur Melo make the switch the other way. Ten months into his stint at Camp Nou, it is safe to say that things have just not worked out as per plans for the Bosnian international.
Indeed, Pjanic rarely featured over the course of his debut campaign at Barcelona, with manager Ronald Koeman favouring the likes of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Ilaix Moriba over the former AS Roma and Juventus midfielder. Having grown disillusioned with his situation with the Blaugrana, Pjanic is keen on securing an exit this summer.
Barcelona, for their part, are also intent on offloading the midfielder as they look to trim their massive wage bill in order to aid the contract renewal of talisman Lionel Messi, who, as things stand, has become a free agent after his deal ran out at the end of last month. And, shedding Pjanic’s €6.5 million-a-year wages would help the Catalans free up space to accommodate the Argentine talisman.
To that end, Barcelona have offered Pjanic the “letter of freedom”, an option where they terminate his contract by mutual consent with the midfielder being paid a compensation package. However, he has turned down the proposal and is assessing his options amid strong links with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, among others.
Amidst this, a surprise name has emerged as a potential destination for Pjanic – Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid. As per the aforementioned report, Los Blancos would consider bringing in the Bosnian international this summer as they look to bolster their midfield unit and look to get him back to his best levels that he constantly displayed at Juventus.
Real Madrid are in the market for midfielders this summer, with Carlo Ancelotti seeking replacements for Luka Modric, who is entering the final phase of his career, while Isco is expected to be on his way out amid interest from Everton. Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella has been touted as a priority target for the Merengues, but now, bizarrely, Pjanic seems to have registered on their radar as well.
The midfielder himself would be open to such a move as he wishes to prove Barcelona wrong, the report adds, while also stating that the Catalans would also agree to such an operation as long as they are able to get his wages off the books. Any potential move would likely cost in the region of €20 million. Certainly a story that needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.
