Transfer market expert and journalist Fabrizio Romano has had his say on rumours linking Everton with a move for Barcelona veteran Miralem Pjanic – pouring cold water over the prospects of bringing him to Goodison Park.
According to recent reports from Spain (via Goal), Everton could again turn to the Blaugrana for reinforcements as they look to add elite-level experience to their squad.
Pjanic has been previoiusly compared to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale for his technical ability by ex-Lyon teammate Juninho.
In recent seasons, the likes of Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes have all arrived at Goodison Park from Catalonia.
However, ongoing financial issues at Barcelona have led the pundit to believe there is no pragmatic prospect of Pjanic moving to Everton due to the region of the fee that Barcelona would be looking to raise.
Speaking about Pjanic’s future, Romano told GiveMeSport:
“Because of the balance of financial fair play, if they [Barcelona] want to sell a player, they need to have like €60 or €65m. And I think after this season, spending this money on Miralem Pjanic will be complicated for English clubs in general. He didn’t have a strong season.”
On the basis of the relationships enjoyed by his agent, Romano issues a prevailing belief that Pjanic will be offered out to English clubs this summer.
“His agent will try with English clubs because he’s always trying with English clubs and he has a strong relationship, but it won’t be so easy to pay this money for Miralem Pjanic.”
Read Everton Verdict
At 31 years of age and on a pay packet reported to be just over £270,000 per week, any move for the experienced playmaker could come at an exorbitant price.
A move for the Bosnian international would be a definitive Pjanic-buy rather than part of a longer-term strategy with financial sense behind it.
