Paratici provides Tottenham inside track to signing Barcelona midfielder
By Gary Pearson
Miralem Pjanić is set to leave Barcelona a season after being signed by the Catalan club and Fabio Paratici’s link to the midfielder will help Tottenham in their pursuit of the Bosnian.
Fabio Paratici’s deep-seated connection to Italian football is one of many reasons he was brought in as Tottenham’s director of football. Pjanić, who enjoyed a successful four-year stint with Juventus, endured a adversity-laden first year at the Nou Camp.
Ronald Koeman inserted Pjanić into Barcelona’s starting lineup just six times last season, a bitterly disappointing total for the midfielder, who won the Serie A with Juventus in each of his four seasons in Turin after being signed by Paratici in 2016.
Tottenham, in their plight to strengthen the squad, have more pressing priorities than in central midfield. But the chance to sign an established, premium midfielder like Pjanić is too good to turn a blind eye to. It represents a rare opportunity to land an elite player for a diminished rate on the open market.
But will Tottenham, even with Paratici’s influence, be able to convince Pjanić to commit his future to the north London club? And is Pjanić’s age a concern for Nuno and his coaching staff?
While Pjanić is more partial to Paratici’s advances, the Bosnian has stated his preference to return to Serie A, which might negate Tottenham’s chances of securing his signature.
Manchester United are England’s other most interested party, but Paratici’s involvement will contribute significantly to whom Pjanić pledges his allegiance. A suitable Serie A side hasn’t yet approached Pjanić with an offer, a scenario Tottenham will hope perpetuates as they stake their claim on the 31-year-old.
Spurs won’t be deterred by the Bosnian’s age. He still has a few years left at an elite level, and Tottenham will jump on the opportunity to add a player of his experience and pedigree to the roster.