Marko Pjaca arrived at Juventus in the summer for €23 million after the bianconeri fought off the challenge of Inter and Napoli. Tomorrow, the 21-year-old returns to his old club Dynamo Zagreb as Juve head into matchday two of the Champions League. His arrival in Turin was overshadowed however, by events that led up to his eventual signing.
 

Negotiations between the two clubs were anything but easy and convenient; tension was palpable between bianconeri representatives and Zagreb President Mamic, not renowned for being easy to deal with in such matters. Dynamo constantly changed the bonus structure incorporated in the deal leaving Sporting Director Paratici and CEO Marotta exhausted as they pressed to get their man.  

Juventus were prepared for battle, having already seen Mateo Kovacic defect from Inter to Real Madrid for the very same reasons set out above. The bianconeri’s determination to sign Pjaca was the deciding factor despite Mamic’s best efforts to scupper the deal; now the two clubs face each other in Zagreb tomorrow for what should be an eventful reunion.


By Fabrizio Romano. Adapted & translated by Steve Mitchell