Miralem Pjanic - NEWS
Miralem Pjanic is coming to Lyon
I’ve been waiting a while to report this because all I’ve been seeing so far are whispered rumors, but now all the newspapers are reporting it, and the player himself was seen at Lyon last Wednesday. But neither the player nor the respective clubs have made a formal announcement, so don’t get too excited yet.
I’ve mentioned Miralem Pjanic on this blog before, but only in pass, so here are some deets (I’ll write up a more detailed background if when there is a press conference).
He’s an 18 year old attacking midfielder playing for FC Metz, who will be relegated back to Ligue 2 at the end of this season. But despite the poor performance of his club, Pjanic has been outstanding and was often the sole bright light coming out of an otherwise doomed Saint-Symphorien.
Though it’s his breakout year, his quality is so obvious that the biggest clubs in the world have been watching him week in and week out - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter, Milan, etc. And two weeks ago, Barcelona made a formal offer.
However, Pjanic is too young to leave France, and with his development at such a critical stage, he knows it would be best if he stayed near home for another few years. So he’s decided to pick Lyon, where he’ll get the best of both worlds - exposure, top level experience, the opportunity to play with many talented players, and a higher salary - all within a comfortable environment.
The financial and technical details of this transaction haven’t been announced yet, though the transfer fee will probably be around €8m (perhaps rising to €10m - Aulas is always generous with domestic clubs when it comes to transfer fees). No word either on the length of this contract, though some sources say it would be for 5 years. There is a persistent rumor that Pjanic will have the option to leave after three years, though I have a hard time believing it because that weakens Lyon’s position, and Aulas would never allow that. I guess we’ll find out soon though.
It’s always great news when your club buys the hottest (and genuine) talents available, especially when they beat bigger clubs to their signature, but I’m having a hard time getting excited. We have such a stacked midfield that it’s making me cross eyed. Let’s take a look at who we will have next year:
Mathieu Bodmer, Juninho, Ederson, Kim Kallstrom, Miralem Pjanic, Clement Grenier, Jeremy Toulalan, Fabio Santos, Marc Crosas
We can’t assume Kallstrom is leaving (though it seems likely). Grenier will probably spend his first year in the reserves, but given the level of hype, I’m sure he’ll get some time in cup matches. Toulalan and Fabio Santos are DMs, though when played together, one of them turns into a CM. As for Crosas, he’s supposed to be returning to Barca this summer, but Lyon have formally contacted Barca about keeping him (plus Crosas really wants to stay). So who knows how that will turn out.
Of course, there is the option of playing Pjanic as a winger (he’s like Ribery and Nasri in this regard), but Lyon have a lot of wingers as well. Pjanic coming to Lyon might finally force Hatem Ben Arfa to leave, which would be very bad news. Ben Arfa said recently that he wants to stay at Lyon, but only if he gets to play. Who can blame him? Lyon’s wingers:
Hatem Ben Arfa, Kader Keita, Sidney Govou, Cesar Delgado, Loic Remy, Anthony Mounier, Karim Benzema
Remy’s loan ends this June, and with Lens about to be relegated, there seems to be no chance that he’ll be staying there. Mounier will probably be in the reserves again this year, which is too bad because he’s a good player. And Benzema has on too many occasions played on the flank as well.
I’m glad that Pjanic is coming to Lyon. Really, I am. But I’m absolutely confused as to how all these players will be accommodated.
I’ve mentioned Miralem Pjanic on this blog before, but only in pass, so here are some deets (I’ll write up a more detailed background if when there is a press conference).
He’s an 18 year old attacking midfielder playing for FC Metz, who will be relegated back to Ligue 2 at the end of this season. But despite the poor performance of his club, Pjanic has been outstanding and was often the sole bright light coming out of an otherwise doomed Saint-Symphorien.
Though it’s his breakout year, his quality is so obvious that the biggest clubs in the world have been watching him week in and week out - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter, Milan, etc. And two weeks ago, Barcelona made a formal offer.
However, Pjanic is too young to leave France, and with his development at such a critical stage, he knows it would be best if he stayed near home for another few years. So he’s decided to pick Lyon, where he’ll get the best of both worlds - exposure, top level experience, the opportunity to play with many talented players, and a higher salary - all within a comfortable environment.
The financial and technical details of this transaction haven’t been announced yet, though the transfer fee will probably be around €8m (perhaps rising to €10m - Aulas is always generous with domestic clubs when it comes to transfer fees). No word either on the length of this contract, though some sources say it would be for 5 years. There is a persistent rumor that Pjanic will have the option to leave after three years, though I have a hard time believing it because that weakens Lyon’s position, and Aulas would never allow that. I guess we’ll find out soon though.
It’s always great news when your club buys the hottest (and genuine) talents available, especially when they beat bigger clubs to their signature, but I’m having a hard time getting excited. We have such a stacked midfield that it’s making me cross eyed. Let’s take a look at who we will have next year:
Mathieu Bodmer, Juninho, Ederson, Kim Kallstrom, Miralem Pjanic, Clement Grenier, Jeremy Toulalan, Fabio Santos, Marc Crosas
We can’t assume Kallstrom is leaving (though it seems likely). Grenier will probably spend his first year in the reserves, but given the level of hype, I’m sure he’ll get some time in cup matches. Toulalan and Fabio Santos are DMs, though when played together, one of them turns into a CM. As for Crosas, he’s supposed to be returning to Barca this summer, but Lyon have formally contacted Barca about keeping him (plus Crosas really wants to stay). So who knows how that will turn out.
Of course, there is the option of playing Pjanic as a winger (he’s like Ribery and Nasri in this regard), but Lyon have a lot of wingers as well. Pjanic coming to Lyon might finally force Hatem Ben Arfa to leave, which would be very bad news. Ben Arfa said recently that he wants to stay at Lyon, but only if he gets to play. Who can blame him? Lyon’s wingers:
Hatem Ben Arfa, Kader Keita, Sidney Govou, Cesar Delgado, Loic Remy, Anthony Mounier, Karim Benzema
Remy’s loan ends this June, and with Lens about to be relegated, there seems to be no chance that he’ll be staying there. Mounier will probably be in the reserves again this year, which is too bad because he’s a good player. And Benzema has on too many occasions played on the flank as well.
I’m glad that Pjanic is coming to Lyon. Really, I am. But I’m absolutely confused as to how all these players will be accommodated.
10 May 2008 - admin
WENGER TARGET A MIR £8M
Arsenal and Barcelona are battling it out to sign Bosnian striker Miralem Pjanic.
The 18-year-old from FC Metz has impressed scouts from both sides, and it's down to who can come up with the £8million asking price as Lyon monitor the situation.
The 18-year-old from FC Metz has impressed scouts from both sides, and it's down to who can come up with the £8million asking price as Lyon monitor the situation.
27 Apr 2008 - admin
Barcelona chief Txiki checked on Real Madrid target Pjanic
Barcelona are stepping up their interest in Metz winger Miralem Pjanic.
Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain made a check on Pjanic in action against Olympique Lyon in the French Cup.
Real Madrid are also following Pjanic, who has been capped by Luxemburg at youth level.
Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain made a check on Pjanic in action against Olympique Lyon in the French Cup.
Real Madrid are also following Pjanic, who has been capped by Luxemburg at youth level.
22 Apr 2008 - admin
FC Strasbourg 0 - 3 FC Metz
Tonight's game was a great one for Miralem Pjanic. He scored in the last minute.
47' [0 - 1] W. Aguirre
62' [0 - 2] W. Aguirre
90' [0 - 3] M. Pjanic
47' [0 - 1] W. Aguirre
62' [0 - 2] W. Aguirre
90' [0 - 3] M. Pjanic
01 Feb 2008 - admin
Dzeko and Pjanic in Arsenal ?
Looks like Arsene Wenger is in the mood of buying some Bosnian players.
Current unofficial EPL champions Arsenal showed interest in Edin Dzeko, Wolfsburg striker. Arsene Wenger spoke to the San that it is true that they have been following Dzeko's game in both Czech and German league and he says that due to his performance and game efforts, the one who will buy him must pay a great amount for Dzeko.
Wenger has also stated that other English clubs are looking at Misimovic and maybe a possible transfer might occur.
He also stated that he is interested in Miralem Pjanic and he said that Metz can't hold on to him next season because they're falling out of the league.
Some info on players: Edin Dzeko is 21 years old, worth 4.500.000 Euros and is one of the best young strikers in Bundesliga. He's named by a German site as best striker in Bundesliga for first half season. Miralem Pjanic is 17 years old, worth 1.500.000 and is a starter for Metz; being most probably the best player in Metz. He's one of the best 17 year olds in Europe and AC Milan, Marseille, Bayern, and some other high profile clubs were interested in him but he decided to stay in Metz this transfer window, but since he has a contract till 2012, a club will have to pay big to get him and since he's really young.
Current unofficial EPL champions Arsenal showed interest in Edin Dzeko, Wolfsburg striker. Arsene Wenger spoke to the San that it is true that they have been following Dzeko's game in both Czech and German league and he says that due to his performance and game efforts, the one who will buy him must pay a great amount for Dzeko.
Wenger has also stated that other English clubs are looking at Misimovic and maybe a possible transfer might occur.
He also stated that he is interested in Miralem Pjanic and he said that Metz can't hold on to him next season because they're falling out of the league.
Some info on players: Edin Dzeko is 21 years old, worth 4.500.000 Euros and is one of the best young strikers in Bundesliga. He's named by a German site as best striker in Bundesliga for first half season. Miralem Pjanic is 17 years old, worth 1.500.000 and is a starter for Metz; being most probably the best player in Metz. He's one of the best 17 year olds in Europe and AC Milan, Marseille, Bayern, and some other high profile clubs were interested in him but he decided to stay in Metz this transfer window, but since he has a contract till 2012, a club will have to pay big to get him and since he's really young.
24 Jan 2008 - admin
Inter Milan to pounce for Metz prospect Pjanic
Inter Milan are ready to pounce for Metz prospect Miralem Pjanic.
The 17 year-old is off contract at the end of this season and has seen talks over a new deal collapse this week.
Inter have been monitoring developments closely and are anxious about bringing Pjanic to the San Siro next year.
The 17 year-old is off contract at the end of this season and has seen talks over a new deal collapse this week.
Inter have been monitoring developments closely and are anxious about bringing Pjanic to the San Siro next year.
31 Dec 2007 - admin
AC Milan, Inter go for Metz prospect Pjanic
AC Milan, Inter and Juventus are among clubs chasing Metz teenager Miralem Pjanic.
The 17 year-old attacking midfielder is yet to sign pro forms with his French club, which has opened the door to him being snapped up by a bigger European rival.
The 17 year-old attacking midfielder is yet to sign pro forms with his French club, which has opened the door to him being snapped up by a bigger European rival.
31 Dec 2007 - admin
Chelsea keen on Metz kid Pjanic
Chelsea are tracking FC Metz starlet Miralem Pjanic.
The 17 year-old attacking midfielder is yet to sign pro terms with his French club and can be snapped up as an amateur by Chelsea.
Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also tracking Pjanic.
The 17 year-old attacking midfielder is yet to sign pro terms with his French club and can be snapped up as an amateur by Chelsea.
Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also tracking Pjanic.
31 Dec 2007 - admin