The Upcoming Paul Pogba Summer Transfer Saga
A lot will happen this summer around Paul Pogba. His contract is running down and Pogba must make a decision regarding his future. Since Paul Pogba requires massive wages and transfer fees, it appears that there are six clubs competing for his talents. Pogba has flirted with a move away from Old Trafford for a while now, but at 28 he remains at Manchester United. His agent, Mino Raiola, brings issues on his own. The Paul Pogba saga looks to be just starting and below breaks down the six teams trying to get him to play for their side next season.
Manchester United: New Contract
Ole Gunnar Solskjær made it known that he wants Pogba to stay. United spent over $115 million for the Frenchman in 2016. Since then, neither Pogba nor United have performed up to expectations. Paul Pogba has missed over 70 games for the Red Devils due to injury over the past 5 years. The transfer has not been a complete bust though, when fit Pogba transforms Manchester United. He added creativity and quality during Jose’s reign and helped the transition process for Ole. However, a move away keeps looking more probable.
If United were to lose Pogba, it will happen either through a massive transfer fee in the upcoming transfer window or on a free the summer following. United cannot afford to let him leave on a free contract, so they must act soon. Their advantage is that in the current climate few teams can afford Pogba, so keeping him will be easier. However, the snag in the relationship with Pogba is Raiola. Even though Ole wants Pogba included in the future of Manchester United, he may be too difficult to keep.
Chance of Staying: 35%
Real Madrid: Dream Come True
Pogba has talked about Madrid for years. He grew up idolizing Zidane and now he has the opportunity to play for him. If Pogba were to leave United then Real Madrid is the obvious candidate. They not only have the coaching and play-style to suit Pogba, but they also have the finances to make the move a reality. Real Madrid has been looking for a superstar since Ronaldo left and Pogba could take some of that burden off them. Not to mention that Pogba would love the attention that comes with playing for Real Madrid.
Another plus to Real Madrid is that they constantly play Champions League Football; at United UCL football has been common but not certain recently. If Pogba wants out of United, then it makes perfect sense that he’d join Madrid. However, if Madrid were to focus their transfer budget on other big names like Haaland or Mbappe, then Pogba may be left on the outside looking in.
Chance of Joining Real: 35%
Juventus: The Return
Paul Pogba really enjoyed his time in Turin. Some of the best football of his career happened in a Juve shirt. However, since then Juventus has fallen. They got dropped out of the Champions League by Porto and currently sit far behind Inter in the Serie A table. There are growing concerns over the manager, Andrea Pirlo. The budget also looks negative. Yet, Pirlo being a massive Pogba fan and former teammate then he may be willing to fork up the cash for Pogba. Juventus will be serious for competitors for Pogba this summer. The only hitch is the money side of things, but if Pogba really wants out of Old Trafford and Madrid doesn’t work, then Turin can certainly happen.
Chance of Returning to Juve: 15%
FC Barcelona: Missing Link
Pogba and Barcelona don’t look like a perfect match, but it could happen. Barca is in a tight spot financially but could make a serious challenge for Pogba as he would fit in well with Frenkie de Jong in the midfield. It is doubtful that Raiola would accept any cut-rate for Pogba though, which begins to rule out FC Barca. The only real chance of this going through would be if Pogba desperately wants to join the Catalonia giants.
Chance of Joining FCB: 2%
Paris SG: French Connection
If PSG fails to win the Champions League and the French Ligue 1 then the ultra-wealthy French club could spend big. Neymar is close to resigning, but there are fears over Mbappe’s future in Paris. There is no question that PSG will do anything they can to keep them. Part of that plan includes bringing in big-time players like Pogba. Mbappe and Pogba have a history together with the French National Team, so signing Pogba would almost be guarantee beneficial for both parties. Also being French, Pogba may want to return to his home country. PSG would fit Pogba well and signing for them would assurance chances to win trophies. The move to PSG is sensible, but a few pieces have to fall first. While enticing, Paris seems to be less likely than Madrid for Pogba.
Chance of Joining PSG: 10%
Bayern Munich: Title Chasing
Finally the last club with a decent shot of signing Pogba: The German Giants. Bayern recently lost Thiago and could be out for another creative midfielder in the future. Pogba fits the build, but there would likely be concerns over playing time. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich look like long-term players in their pivot, but Muller has been slowly aging. If Pogba went to Bayern he’d likely be Muller’s understudy. However, the chance to be the #10 of one of the world’s best teams has to be motivating for him. I don’t see it happening, because Pogba wants constant first-team football, but if he wants titles then Bayern is calling.
Chance of Joining Bayern: 3%
Verdict
The two clubs with the best chance of having Pogba in their future squad are Manchester United and Real Madrid. With that being said, Juventus and Paris SG have chances to sign Pogba too. The underdogs to sign him are Barcelona and Bayern, but stranger things have happened. The future of Pogba remains in his own hands and the saga seems to be just beginning.
Glory Glory Man United.
Written by CJ Szaz.
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