Did Barcelona Sell Arthur?
In recent transfer news, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the sale of Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo. Many fans are questioning whether the club made a mistake in letting go of such a talented player. Let’s dive deeper into this topic and explore the reasons behind Barcelona’s decision.
The Transfer Deal
Firstly, it’s important to understand the details of the transfer deal. In June 2020, Barcelona confirmed that they had reached an agreement with Italian giants Juventus for the transfer of Arthur Melo. The deal was reported to be worth €72 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
Player Performance
Arthur Melo, a Brazilian international, joined Barcelona from Gremio in 2018. He was highly regarded for his technical ability and composure on the ball. During his time at Barcelona, Arthur showcased glimpses of his potential but struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter.
On one hand, some argue that Arthur’s playing style did not fit well with Barcelona’s philosophy under manager Quique Setién. His lack of physicality and defensive contribution were seen as weaknesses in a team that often relies on midfield control and pressing.
On the other hand, those who support Arthur believe that he was not given enough opportunities to prove himself. They argue that his passing range and ability to retain possession could have been valuable assets for Barcelona in the long run.
Financial Considerations
An important aspect behind this transfer was financial considerations. It is no secret that Barcelona has been facing significant financial challenges in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sale of players became necessary to balance their books and make room for new signings.
Barcelona’s decision to sell Arthur was primarily driven by the potential financial gains. The transfer deal allowed the club to generate substantial funds without compromising their squad depth too much.
Replacement and Reinforcement
Lastly, it is important to consider the replacement options Barcelona had in mind. As part of the deal, Juventus sent midfielder Miralem Pjanić to Barcelona. Pjanić, a seasoned campaigner with experience at top clubs like AS Roma and Juventus, was seen as a suitable replacement for Arthur.
In addition, Barcelona has been actively looking to reinforce their midfield with younger talents like Pedri and Riqui Puig. The departure of Arthur provided an opportunity for these promising players to get more playing time and develop their skills further.
To summarize
- Arthur Melo’s playing style may not have been a perfect fit for Barcelona’s philosophy under Quique Setién.
- The financial gains from his sale were important for Barcelona in addressing their financial challenges.
- The arrival of Miralem Pjanić and the emergence of young talents like Pedri and Riqui Puig offered alternatives in midfield.
In conclusion, while it is natural for fans to question the sale of talented players like Arthur Melo, it is essential to consider the bigger picture. Barcelona’s decision was influenced by multiple factors including player performance, financial considerations, and plans for squad reinforcement. Only time will tell whether this transfer will be viewed as a wise move in hindsight.