Juventus have confirmed the signing of winger Marko Pjaca from Dinamo Zagreb. The Bianconeri’s official website announced the move on Thursday.
According to the Old Lady’s site, the winger “has completed a permanent switch from Dinamo Zagreb for a fee of €23 million, to be paid over two financial years.”
The confirmation also included the club announcing that Pjaca “has signed a five-year contract with the club.”
In addition to playing for Dinamo Zagreb, the 21-year-old has also suited up for Lokomotiva in his native country. To date, he’s earned 10 caps for Croatia, and has already opened his scoring account for the national team. Pjaca was part of the Croatian team that lost to eventual winners Portugal in the Euro 2016 Round of 16.
The youngster was particularly impressive at the tournament, turning in a standout performance against holders Spain, while also coming on late in matches against Turkey and the aforementioned Portuguese team.
Another addition to the team's young core
At just 21, the Croatian joins a burgeoning young core at Juve. Max Allegri’s side already employs a number of talented young players 25 or younger, namely defenders Alex Sandro and Daniele Rugani, midfielders Paul Pogba, Stefano Sturaro and Mario Lemina as well as forwards Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza.
Once a team known for employing a veteran-heavy squad, the club has now set itself up for a bright future, even when players like Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini have retired.
Potential fit
Able to play in a variety of positions in the attack, Pjaca can fit into a number of Allegri’s system. His best fit is likely out wide. However, seeing as he isn’t a wing-back, it will be interesting to see how the manager deploys him.
In terms of midfielders and forwards, Juventus’ line-up is mostly comprised of centrally stationed players.
Should Pjaca be played as a forward, he’ll have to compete with the likes of Dybala, Zaza and fellow countryman Mario Mandzukic.
Fourth summer signing
After seeing the likes of Alvaro Morata, Martin Caceres, Simone Padoin and Juan Cuadrado depart, Juve have done a masterful job in making additions to the club. Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves and Medhi Benatia have all joined Allegri’s squad as the Bianconeri look to make a run at the Champions League title.