Investigative reporter reveals Pjanic-Arthur swap deal was illegal

The deal that saw Miralem Pjanic move to Barcelona from Juventus in June 2020, while Arthur Melo moved in the opposite direction, has been labelled as illegal, according to journalist Romain Molina.

Barcelona sold Arthur to Juve for €72m plus an extra €10m in variables, while they claim to have paid €60m to get Pjanic, with €5m in additional costs.

However, all that was a facade to cover for capital gains, as only €12m exchanged hands between both parties.

Capital gains allowed both clubs to earn nearly €40m each from the swap deal, due to the inflated transfer figures.

Barcelona may likely face an investigation over the matter.

Meanwhile, Barca have loaned out Pjanic after he failed to shine in his first season at Camp Nou.