[AS] | Barcelona's signing report that explains Miralem Pjanic move.

Many onlookers, including fans of the club, put their hands on their heads when they first heard about the rumoured move by Barcelona to bring in Pjanic, involving the inclusion of Arthur Melo in operation.

Inside the Barça corridors they do not consider the age difference (30 vs 23). In fact, the club has a report, dated January 2020, that gives the green light to the Bosnian's signing and the possible departure of Arthur.

AS has had sight of this document, stating, "Where a greater knowledge of the game is required, it may be interesting to sign older players and where physical performance is needed, consider younger ones. Moreover, the experience may require less time to adapt to his new club".

In fact, it is complemented by a bundle of data points: "The percentage of successful passes is 3-5% higher in 30 years old players compared to those 16-29 and, the synchronisation of veteran players (coordination of their movements during the game) is better.

Another point made in the report is that, "an older player would accept an adjustment to his salary based on expectations of his performance." This is a factor that could be important to many clubs as they look to reduce outgoings on the back of the coronavirus pandemic.

There certainly appears to be a change in strategy at the Camp Nou and this is evident in the plans regarding the changes being pondered in the squad. Youth is not prioritised when looking for talent, but rather the needs of the team in each position.