Barcelona’s decision to sell Arthur came as a shock to many football fans around the world. The Brazilian midfielder, known for his technical abilities and vision on the pitch, seemed like a perfect fit for Barcelona’s style of play.
So, why did Barcelona decide to part ways with such a promising talent? Let’s take a closer look.
The Financial Situation
One of the primary reasons behind Barcelona’s decision was their dire financial situation. The club was facing significant debt and needed to generate funds quickly. Selling Arthur, who had attracted interest from other clubs, presented an opportunity to inject much-needed cash into the club.
Performance and Consistency
While Arthur showed glimpses of his potential during his time at Barcelona, he struggled with consistency. Injuries and dips in form hindered his progress, making it difficult for him to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Barcelona’s management may have felt that they needed someone more reliable in midfield.
An Opportunity Too Good to Refuse
Juventus came knocking with an offer that was hard for Barcelona to refuse. The Italian giants were willing to pay a substantial transfer fee for Arthur and offered Miralem Pjanic as part of the deal. Pjanic, an experienced midfielder who had excelled at Juventus, seemed like an ideal replacement for Arthur.
The Age Factor
Another factor that played into Barcelona’s decision was age. At 23 years old, Arthur still had plenty of room for development and improvement. By selling him now, Barcelona could secure a significant profit and potentially invest in a more established player who could make an immediate impact on the team.
The Need for Reinforcement
Barcelona’s midfield had been lacking depth in recent years. With aging midfielders like Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, the club needed to inject some fresh blood into the squad. Selling Arthur allowed Barcelona to reshape their midfield and bring in a player like Pjanic, who could provide much-needed competition and depth.
Conclusion
In the end, Barcelona’s decision to sell Arthur was driven by a combination of financial constraints, performance concerns, and the opportunity to strengthen their squad. While it may have been a difficult decision for both the club and the player, it was one that had to be made in order to ensure Barcelona’s long-term success.