Miralem Pjanic completes shock Sharjah FC free transfer as Barcelona terminate contract after just 19 LaLiga games

BARCELONA midfielder Miralem Pjanic has made a shock switch to Sharjah FC after having his contract terminated at the Nou Camp.

The 32-year-old, who joined the Catalan giants in 2020, moves to the UAE-based club for free until 2024, with the option of a further year.

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Pjanic has seen his Barcelona contract terminated ahead of a free transfer to the UAE[/caption]

Barcelona facilitated the move by ripping up his contract – which wasn’t due to expire for another two seasons.

A club statement read: “Barcelona and Miralem Pjanić have reached an agreement to release the player from the contract binding the player to the club until the end of the 2023/24 season.

“The club publicly expresses its gratitude to the player for his professionalism, dedication and commitment and for always adapting his contract to the club’s situations and needs.

“It wishes him every success and fortune in the future.”

Moments after Barcelona’s announcement, the switch to Sharjah was confirmed.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Official, confirmed. Miralem Pjanić leaves Barcelona and joins Sharjah FC on permanent deal, contract valid until June 2024 with option until June 2025.

“Deal signed after agreement reached last Monday.”

Pjanic made 30 appearances for Barcelona in the 2020/21 campaign after joining from Juventus – with 19 of those coming in LaLiga.

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Last year the Bosnian was shipped out on loan to Turkey where he spent a season with Besiktas, playing 26 times.

Upon returning to the Nou Camp, Pjanic has been on the bench for every one of Barcelona’s games so far this season.

And he has not received a single minute of action – although does have a new hairline after his Turkish stint.

The likes of Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets are all ahead of Pjanic in the Nou Camp pecking order.

Now he has departed European football altogether and moved to the Middle East.

In joining UAE outfit Sharjah FC, the midfielder will be linking up with Paco Alcacer.

The only trophy Pjanic has to show for his time at Barcelona is the Copa del Rey, which he won in 2021.

However, he did win four Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias with Juventus.