Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

PSG in €70m Pogba swoop?

Mar 18, 2014

Rumours continue to surface that Paris Saint-Germain will go all out in the summer to sign Paul Pogba.

AMAZONIAN

The France international has been attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent months, with the Ligue 1 champions, Manchester United and Real Madrid all said to be interested.

But reports in Spanish newspaper Sport claim that Laurent Blanc’s men will break the bank at the end of the season to bring in the youngster.

The paper suggests that they could table a €70m offer for Pobga in order to guarantee his signing.

AMAZONIAN

Real Madrid assistant Zinedine Zidane has apparently ordered his club to do all they can to sign the 20-year-old.

However, the sports daily has insisted that the French champions will offer a whopping €70m.

[Socrates 8295]

Release clause stalling Pogba deal

Mar 19, 2014

Paul Pogba’s contract renewal at Juventus is stalling because of a minimum fee release clause, it is claimed.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri midfielder has been heavily linked with a switch away from Turin in the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid both said to be interested.

However, Antonio Conte’s men are keen to keep the France international beyond his current deal, which ends in 2016.

The club and the player’s representative have been in talks for a few months, but are stuttering over one detail.

AMAZONIAN

Wages and contract length are all, according to Libero, agreed – with Pogba set to earn €3.5m per season and stay on until 2017.

However, his agent is insistent that the deal has to have a release clause inserted, something Juve do not want.

[Socrates 8295]

‘Pogba offered great United deal’

Mar 20, 2014

Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill says Juventus’ Paul Pogba was offered a great deal to remain at Old Trafford.

AMAZONIAN

The Red Devils have been widely criticised for failing to keep hold of the Frenchman and allowing him to join the Old Lady on a free transfer.

“We did offer him a new deal,” Gill told the Red Café website. “We offered Pogba a very good wage as well as a very generous fee for his agent.

“I don’t want to go into the details because it was a very complex issue.

AMAZONIAN

“All I can say is that we were very disappointed.

“Whenever a player is determined to leave and his contract allows it there is nothing we can do about it.

“I can assure you that we did not hold anything back financially.”

[Socrates 8295]

'Quarter-finals mean nothing' -
Pobga sets sights on winning World Cup

The 21-year-old will not discuss his future until the end of the season
and says only victory will satisfy him with France this summer.

Mar 23, 2014

Paul Pogba has set his sights on winning the World Cup with France, insisting he "doesn't care" about only reaching the quarter-finals.

AMAZONIAN

France head into this summer’s tournament as outsiders, with hosts Brazil and holders Spain rated amongst the favourites to lift the trophy, along with Argentina and Germany.

But Pogba insists his country won’t settle for simple targets like advancing beyond their group, which contains Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.

“We will do everything to win the World Cup," the 21-year-old told Telefoot. "I don't care about being in the quarter finals or just getting past the group phase.

AMAZONIAN

"We will have to remain concentrated throughout the tournament.

"It is always a pleasure for me to wear Les Bleus shirt - I have made my dream come true."

The Juventus midfielder was asked about his future as he continues to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest teams, but he insists he is happy for now and will think about it after the current campaign.

AMAZONIAN

Pogbe added: “I want to be concentrated on the pitch. I’ll open myself up when we finish the season.

“Everything is OK at Juve and in the national team - I’m very happy.

“I want to have more fun, I have goals. You have to make sacrifices to be happy. Let’s hope my sacrifices will make me happy.”

[Socrates 8295]

Juve duo on Man Utd list

Mar 24, 2014

Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are on Manchester United’s summer wishlist, it has been claimed in the British Press.

http://markting10.nl/

The Daily Express report that the Juventus duo are two of seven named included in David Moyes’ transfer hit-list for the end of the season.

The Chile international, who has only just signed a new contract with the Bianconeri, has been attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.

http://markting10.nl/

As such, the Premier League champions will likely have to table an unbelievable offer for Vidal.

Pogba meanwhile, is in the process of negotiating an extension, but once, will only leave Turin if a mammoth bid is offered.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba will decide future
after World Cup, says agent

Mino Raiola insists the Frenchman will consider offers from other clubs as well
as a potential new deal in Turin - but only after the showpiece in South America.

Mar 28, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will not make a decision on his future until after the World Cup, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

AMAZONIAN

Pogba has enjoyed a superb season with the Bianconeri, notching eight goals in all competitions having firmly established his place in Antonio Conte's first-choice midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

Paris Saint-Germain have long been linked with a big-money move for the 21-year-old, while Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest, but Raiola has made it clear Pogba's future will not be settled until after France's campaign in Brazil this summer.

"My priority is always the same: to look after the players I represent," Raiola was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

AMAZONIAN

"Between now and the World Cup, nothing will happen. Everything you speak of - a renewal or a possible transfer - will be carefully assessed, but only after Brazil.

"Pogba is happy with Juve, just as Juve are glad to have Pogba. He still has a contract in Turin until 2016. There is no rush, no urgency. For now, Pogba will not go.

"I say for now he will not go, because if one day a crazy offer for him comes in, we would assess it together.

AMAZONIAN

"We will evaluate everything after the World Cup: any offers from other clubs, as well as proposals to renew his contract at Juventus. Everything is postponed, as Juventus know. I repeat: there are no problems of any kind."

Raiola was eager to stress that Pogba's sole focus is on securing silverware this season, both in Serie A and in the Europa League.

AMAZONIAN

"At this moment, the boy is thinking about playing, about winning the Scudetto and the Europa League," the agent added.

"Pogba is bursting with motivation. He wants to win everything with Juventus, here at the end of the season, and then go to the World Cup with France - an amazing achievement for a phenomenal guy who only a year ago won the World Under-20 championship."

[Socrates 8295]

‘Pogba evaluations after World Cup’

Mar 28, 2014

Mino Raiola has clarified that he and Paul Pogba won’t consider offers from Juventus or other clubs until after the World Cup.

AMAZONIAN

The 21-year-old’s form since joining the Old Lady from Manchester United in 2012 has increasingly attracted speculation in the media linking him with the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Whilst the Bianconeri have commented on their desire to keep hold of the midfielder and have been seen as preparing an improved contract offer to counter such interest, the player’s representative has now looked to clarify the situation.

“Right now the guy is just thinking about playing, to focus on the championship fight and on winning the Europa League,” agent Raiola has told today’s edition of Tuttosport.

AMAZONIAN

“It means a lot to retain the Scudetto, but also to lift a Cup at the Juventus Stadium in mid-May. The Europa League is snubbed by most in Italy, but by mistake.

“Pogba is bursting with motivation. He wants to win everything with Juventus, from here to the end of the season.

“And then he will go into the World Cup with France - an amazing achievement for a phenomenal guy who a year ago had just won the World Championship at Under-20 level.”

AMAZONIAN

Raiola was prompted for comment on interest from other clubs in Pogba.

“Nothing in the pot is boiling. Until after Brazil we will not move a leaf. We have decided to postpone any type of negotiation until after.

“Pogba wants to play a great World Cup, and for this he must think only of the field in the next three-and-a-half months.

AMAZONIAN

“Pogba is in a great moment in Turin. And there is not any kind of problem with Juventus. He is pleased with Juve, just as everyone at Juve is happy with Pogba.

“Paul still has a long contract in Turin until 2016. There is no rush, no urgency. Even so, for now, Pogba will not leave.

“For now, he does not want to go away, then if one day a crazy offer arrived for him and for Juve, well, it would be assessed together.

AMAZONIAN

“That is to say - a crazy bid from Real Madrid, rather than another top European club. We will evaluate everything after the World Cup, in due course - any offers from other clubs, as well as any proposals for the renewal of the contract at Juventus.

“So, it is true that I am not dealing with anyone in Turin or elsewhere. Everything is postponed, Juventus knows this.

“I repeat - there are no problems of any kind.”

[Socrates 8295]

Cavani swap for Pogba?

Apr 2, 2014

Juventus will ask for cash plus Edinson Cavani should Paris Saint-Germain make a move for Paul Pogba in the summer.

AMAZONIAN

The France international has been heavily linked with a number of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

But it is the Ligue 1 leaders who have been consistently rumoured to be tracking the 21-year-old, with several stories emerging that they would be willing to pay upwards of €60m for the midfielder.

However, Tuttosport have led with the news this morning that should Laurent Blanc’s men come back in for Pogba during the off-season, the Bianconeri will ask for Cavani in return, plus cash.

AMAZONIAN

It is suggested that Antonio Conte’s outfit would accept a much lower fee than €60m, but that would be cancelled out by the Uruguayan striker’s supposed transfer fee and wages.

The former Napoli man is apparently keen to return to Italy, having become disillusioned with life in the French capital.

[Socrates 8295]

Why is Paul Pogba playing so poorly?

After an excellent first 18 months, the 21-year-old has become inconsistent
as several of Europe's big-guns look to tempt him away from Turin.

Apr 3, 2014

COMMENT
By Peter McVitie

He may boast the title of being the best player in the world under the age of 21, but Paul Pogba has suffered an alarming nosedive in form in recent months.

The midfielder gradually asserted himself as a key player for the Turin giants in his first season following his move from Manchester United in 2012 and then strolled through the first half of the current campaign, scoring six goals and making four assists in all competitions.

It was thanks to those impeccable displays for club and country that the gifted midfielder earned the praise of some of the biggest names in European football, as well as admiring glances from Europe's biggest clubs.

“Pogba is unique. He has a very bright future,” Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said when asked for his thoughts on him. “He is a complete midfielder.

“Bring him to Real? Why not. This is one of the best young midfielders alongside [Marco] Verratti and Isco.”

Meanwhile, Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has hailed him as a “unique case” and Ruud Gullit is confident he can be "the future star".

The praise is certainly deserved. So bright does his future look and so impressive was his form throughout his first 18 months in Turin, that a host of reports have linking the 21-year-old to some of the continent’s biggest sides.

Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have all been rumoured to be willing to spend big on the 6'2" midfielder since the end of last year and it seems likely that more will join the list in the coming months.

As the advances of the bigger sides in Europe intensified in the January transfer window, the possibility of Pogba fleeing the Bianconeri in the near future became real and it has only increased following his insistence that his future won't be discussed until this summer. Unfortunately, though, it seems all the speculation has affected his performances.

Since the turn of the year, the France international’s displays have been in stark contrast to those which have earned him international acclaim.

Pogba’s influence in games has dropped immensely. His shooting has been very poor since the turn of the year, his passes aren’t delivered with the same accuracy and they haven't created as many chances for his team as fans are used to seeing. His influence and ability to control and change a game has diminished at an alarming rate.

In Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Napoli he was virtually anonymous. He made only 16 passes in Stadio San Paolo, a new low in the league this season and little over half of them were successful. Furthermore, his defensive work has diminished as his tackles have become less frequent since the close of the January transfer window.

At 21 he is still developing and growing as a player and so is bound to go through a period of indifference and inconsistency. But it seems that process has been sped up and intensified as the likes of PSG and Madrid keep batting their eyelids at him.

It is understandable that his head would be turned, though. His reported suitors are currently battling for places in the semi-finals of Europe’s most prestigious club competition, while Pogba and Juve prepare to contest the consolation prize of the Europa League. While he hasn't said it explicitly, it is only natural then that he would begin contemplating a step up in a bid to experience the latter stages of the most illustrious prizes.

However, he has to further prove his consistency and importance to Antonio Conte’s side before he can bank on a move away from Juventus Stadium. For a player who has already set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or in the future, he cannot afford to be so easily distracted and affected by speculation and transfer rumours.

It will be rife throughout his career and if he is to have one as successful as he hopes, and to fulfil his potential, he must be sure to shake it off and continue to put in the mesmerising performances he did before the closure of the January transfer window.

[Socrates 8295]

PSG owner: No Pogba talks

Apr 9, 2014

Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al Khelaifi has claimed that there have been no talks with Paul Pogba regarding a move.

The French champions have been heavily linked with the Juventus midfielder, with outlets all over Europe reporting figures between €40m-€70m that the capital club are willing to pay for the youngster.

However, the Parisiens chief has insisted that the club have not held talks with the former Manchester United man about a transfer.

“Pogba? We have not spoken with him,” he told Sport Mediaset.

“Only at the end of the season will we evaluate everything.”

After Tuesday night’s elimination from the Champions League to Chelsea, Al Khelaifi has also indicated that Laurent Blanc will keep his job as Coach.

“We have confidence in him. I expect him to stay on.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'Future? We'll see'

Apr 10, 2014

Paul Pogba was non-committal on his Juventus future after they reached the Europa League semi-final.

The French midfielder is negotiating a contract renewal and remains at the centre of transfer gossip with Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and even Manchester United interested.

“I am not thinking about that, as I am focused only on the pitch,” he told Mediaset.

“Juventus want to keep me at all costs? That makes me happy. I am thinking only about doing well on the field, then we’ll see.”

Pogba was speaking to the media after a 2-1 victory over Lyon, 3-1 on aggregate.

“We played against a strong team, but fortunately we won and went through to the next phase. Now we have to focus on the next Serie A game, then the Europa League semi-final.”

[Socrates 8295]

'Pogba one of the world's best'

Apr 14, 2014

Marcelo Lippi has praised the Juventus squad, calling Paul Pogba ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’.

The former Bianconeri boss is currently in China leading Guangzhou Evergrande to the Asian Champions League.

But the 66-year-old has seen enough of the French youngster to know that he is one of the best around at the moment.

“For me, Pogba is one of the best midfielders in the world and Juve should try and keep him at all costs,” the tactician told Tuttosport.

“But Pogba should also think about the dominant cycle Juve are about to enter. They could be dominant in Europe for three or four years.”

Lippi then commented on Antonio Conte’s future, and commended Gianluigi Buffon for his service to the black and white shirt.

“I see a beautiful harmony between Conte and the club. But I know that Antonio has a crazy amount of ambition.

“He wants to win the Champions League with Juventus, I know that.

“Will he coach the national team? Maybe in 10 years. But it’s still far too early for him to do that.

“That could be the culmination of a fantastic career for him though.

“Buffon is the sort of guy that gets whatever he sets his mind on. To play until 40 is incredible.”

[Socrates 8295]

'Still room for Pogba improvement'

Apr 16, 2014

France national team Coach Didier Deschamps has warned against extreme expectations from Paul Pogba this summer.

The Juventus midfielder has been one of the stand-out performers for the Bianconeri this term, and is expected to light up the tournament in Brazil.

However, Les Bleus’ boss has insisted that the former Manchester United youngster still has a lot of maturing to do.

“Paul’s still a young lad and this World Cup will be his first competition,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“He has huge potential, but even if he’s doing very well, I still think Paul has room to mature and improve.

“We’re all calm though ahead of the World Cup.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba is a force of nature, says Buffon

The Italy international has nothing but praise for his young team-mate and has little doubt
the Bianconeri directors will make the right decision on whether to sell the midfielder.

Apr 16, 2014

Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his admiration for Paul Pogba, describing the young Frenchman as "a true force of nature."

The midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest young players in Europe following his excellent form for the Bianconeri since his move from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old is continually being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants reportedly willing to pay up to €70 million for the powerful midfielder, and while Buffon admits such a fee could prove too tempting for the club to ignore, he is eager for the player to stay at the club.

"Paul is a natural talent. There's no arguing about that. He is a true force of nature," the Juventus goalkeeper told Sky.

"He has surprised everyone. He has just exploded and didn't need much time for it. We all understood within two months or so that he was a huge talent and that we were talking about a great player.

"But in a difficult economic situation like this, you have to take a lot of things into consideration if a big offer comes in.

"But I would like to stress that the directors and the president have always made the right choices and will do the same in this case."

Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba crisis is normal, says Llorente

The striker has backed his team-mate to come good after
an inconsistent run of form since the January transfer window.

Apr 18, 2014

Fernando Llorente has offered his backing to Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba, stating that his "small crisis" is understandable for a player of his tender years.

The 20-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a stunning first 18 months for the Bianconeri but struggled since being linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

But Llorente - who is Pogba's room-mate on away trips - has dismissed any long term concerns over the France international.

He told Tuttosport: "I don't think we should attach any importance to Pogba's small crisis.

"It's normal that you can spend moments of this kind, especially at 20, when you may feel more pressure and maybe you are less experienced at managing the effects of fatigue.

"But I have no doubt he will become one of the best players in the world I really have no doubts about this."

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I'm glad other teams want me

It had been claimed that Bianconeri have been doing their utmost to persuade
the 20-year-old to commit himself beyond 2016 - but the midfielder insists otherwise.

Apr 20, 2014

Paul Pogba has cast his Juventus future in doubt by admitting that he is flattered by widespread interest in his services.

It has been reported that the Italian champions are desperate for the in-demand midfielder to extend his current deal in Turin, which runs until 2016, with speculation rife that Paris Saint-Germain are ready to launch a massive bid for the France international this summer.

However, Pogba says he is simply enjoying his time with the Old Lady and is touched by the fans' desire to see him remain at Juventus Stadium.

"It makes me happy that the fans sing, 'Don't sell Pogba'," he told Sky Sport Italia. "It gives me so much of a charge when I go onto the field.

"It gives me an even greater desire to improve myself, so I'm grateful to the fans for their songs; I'm very content to make them happy.

"At the moment, though, I'm concentrated solely on the present. I've not spoken with anyone, neither about my future or my contract.

"Sure, it pleases me to know that that other clubs want me, but I repeat: I'm thinking only of the field of play and the Scudetto."

Pogba was being interviewed after underlining his worth to Juve by netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Bologna that put Antonio Conte's men within two victories of retaining their Serie A title.

The 20-year-old admitted that he does not feel that he is currently being utilised in the best possible way but insists that he is willing to do whatever he is asked in order to help the Bianconeri make it three Scudetti in a row.

"On the pitch, I'm not totally playing in the position I prefer, but anywhere I play, I think only of giving 100 per cent. I was missing a goal. It's difficult to be always on top form," he insisted.

"Along with my team-mates, I want to win this Scudetto with all my strength. We are close now, so we must continue in this way."

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: No Juve talks yet

Apr 21, 2014

Paul Pogba says he has yet to discuss his future at Juventus beyond the end of this season, as he comments that: “PSG are a great club.”

The French international has become increasingly linked with a summer exit from the Old Lady, with PSG said to be leading Chelsea and Real Madrid in preparing bids upwards of €40m.

Reiterating an earlier message from his agent Mino Raiola, though, the player has explained that no discussions either to stay with Juve or to leave have taken place yet.

“So far I have not spoken to anyone about the contract renewal with the club nor the future on the market,” Pogba responded this week to Bein Sport.

“I am focused on the field, I am thinking only about this season and winning a Scudetto which for the club would be historic.

“And then there is also the Europa League. If we achieve the double then it would be something exceptional. I just think about making history this season.

“I just have to repeat myself. Of course I am happy that many big clubs are interested, but the mind is focused on my present work, and that’s it. It is Juve today.

“The fans’ chants asking me to stay? They encourage me to do my best, they are beautiful.

“Paris Saint-Germain? They are a great club…”

Pogba scored Juve’s only and decisive goal against Bologna in Week 34 to bring the Bianconeri ever closer to the League title.

“It is certainly important, but only because it gave us the three points. Here at Juventus, the team comes before anything personal.

“And now we feel closer to the Scudetto, which whilst we are not yet there, we are almost.

“Antonio Conte? I have a good relationship with him, I chose to wear this shirt after speaking with him. I have learned a lot at every place I have been, from Le Havre through to Manchester United and now in Turin.

“Whilst I also went through some difficult times. If I want to reach the top then I have to follow the path of people like Vieira, Buffon and Pirlo.”

[Socrates 8295]

Vieira: Pogba ahead of me at same age

Apr 22, 2014

Patrick Vieira believes that Juventus prodigy Paul Pogba is more advanced as a player than the former Arsenal great was at the same age.

Pogba, 21, moved to Turin in 2012 after failing to break into the Manchester United first team. Since then he has made good on the potential that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents when he was a young player at Le Havre's youth academy.

Pogba has already established himself in the France national team, and his dynamic midfield displays for Les Bleus have seen parallels drawn between himself and Vieira, who was part of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning squads.

Vieira, a three-time Premier League champion with Arsenal who left the Londoners in 2005 to join Juve, said Pogba is a more complete player than he was at the same stage of his career, which coincided with his early years in England.

"He's more technical and more at ease with the ball than I was at the same age," Vieira told beIN SPORTS. "It's easier for him to go forward. I was more concerned with defensive duties. He's more attack-minded, and takes part more in the team's play."

[Socrates 8295]

PSG must spend again, says Motta

The experienced midfielder would welcome the arrival of Paul Pogba
as he feels the Ligue 1 champions need new signings.

Apr 23, 2014

Thiago Motta has urged the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy to further strengthen their squad this summer in order to make the next step in the club's development.

The Parc des Princes side have already lured players such as Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Ligue 1 in recent years, but Motta feels they need further reinforcements if they are to make an impact in Europe.

PSG are being heavily linked with Juventus star Paul Pogba and Motta is confident that more competition for places in midfield will only benefit the French champions.

"Should PSG sign new players this summer? Yes, absolutely," Motta was quoted as saying by France Football.

"But we should not buy players at random. We need players who add something to the team.

"We need more competition for places, starting in midfield. I am saying this at the risk of losing my own place, but you know that there's always someone ready to take your place at a big club.

"We need players who can help us win in Europe. We need European glory if we are to be remembered by the people."

PSG were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Chelsea this term, after going out at the same stage against Barcelona last term.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba can become one of the world's best - Pires

The ex-Arsenal star feels his compatriot could become one of the best around
in the game and thinks the World Cup could be crucial in his development.

Apr 24, 2014

Former France international Robert Pires believes Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.

The powerful midfielder has developed into a key player at the Serie A champions since joining them from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and Pires has little doubt that a bright future awaits his young compatriot.

"To become one of the best players in the world is a difficult and delicate job. In his position, I think Pogba will become one of the best in Europe, that's for sure," the former Arsenal man said.

"Maybe, after the World Cup in Brazil, he’ll be among the best players in the world. He has good qualities.

"It’s impressive because of his young age, he makes it look so easy. When you have all these qualities, you can go further, go higher.

"He’s a very important player for Didier Deschamps’ system."

The 21-year-old has made 45 appearances in all competitions so far this term for Juventus, scoring nine goals in the process.

[Socrates 8295]

5 Reasons Why Juventus
Won't Let Paul Pogba Go

Apr 25, 2014

As the summer transfer season approaches, expect there to be plenty of column inches dedicated to the future of Juventus' Paul Pogba.

The France international has been sensational since joining the Bianconeri in 2012 and has made a name for himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football.

He has a contract with Juve until 2016, but they might want to improve that deal if they don't want to lose him to a European rival—something that would greatly hurt their chances of bringing the Champions League trophy to Turin.

Here are five reasons why Juventus won't let Pogba go right now.


He's Their Best Young Player

Let's start with the obvious: Teams that are serious about competing in the Champions League don't sell their best players. Especially not when they're so young that they're almost guaranteed to get a lot better.

Pogba is already one of the best midfielders in Italy, but before long he looks set to become one of the leading lights in European and world football. Letting a player like that go before he's really made his mark on the club would be foolish, even for huge sums.

If the Bianconeri can hold on to the young Frenchman for another couple of seasons, continue to dominate in Italy and possibly win Europe's biggest club competition, they could sell him for even more than they'd get now.

He'd still be young and still be talented, but he'd have plenty of experience having achieved something special in Turin and couldn't be blamed for wanting a fresh challenge.


If He Goes, It Will Be Hard to Keep Arturo Vidal

Selling a player as clearly talented as Pogba now would send a clear message: Juventus are more serious about profits than they are about winning trophies.

That would be a bitter pill to swallow for their other in-demand midfielder, Arturo Vidal. The Chilean is one of the best in the world and would not be short of offers if he elected to leave Turin.

Despite that, he's repeatedly committed himself to the club and insists that he wants to win the Champions League with Juve (as reported in Italian by the Turin-based daily Tuttosport and reproduced online in Italian on tuttomercatoweb.com).

If Pogba goes, it will be hard for the club to convince other top stars such as Vidal to stick around because if they're going to succeed in Europe, they'll need all of their current best players and then some.


It Doesn't Make Sense to Strengthen Their Rivals

It's unlikely that Pogba would return to Manchester United, the club he left for Juve back in 2012.

But rumours persist and according to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils were scouting the Frenchman during the Bianconeri's recent Europa League clash with Benfica.

Selling to United—or any other major European team—wouldn't make sense for Juve because they'd just be making their own task of winning the Champions League more difficult by strengthening a rival.

It's tempting to use the example of Zinedine Zidane to illustrate the fact that Juventus aren't above selling their best players, but it's an unfair comparison. Zizou had already enjoyed plenty of success in Turin, and when the offer eventually came, it was too good for the player or the club to turn down.

That world-record transfer fee allowed them to bring in Lilian Thuram, Pavel Nedved and Gianluigi Buffon—three players who would go on to define the decade for the Turin side. Pogba could be sold for big money, but he won't fetch a big enough price that it would allow a similar reinforcement.


He's Not Ready for the Pressure

For evidence of the damage that too much pressure, too soon, can do to a young player's career, look no farther than Milan's Mario Balotelli.

The striker has been one of the most talked-about footballers in the world since he was a teenager—something that has almost certainly had an effect on his career.

Balotelli is now as famous for outbursts like the recent one after Milan's loss to Roma as he is for scoring goals and is now struggling with being in the media spotlight 24/7. Big-money moves to Manchester City and then to Milan have only served to focus attentions on the young striker—and heap on the pressure.

It would be better for Pogba to take his time developing as a footballer, surrounded by players and coaches with whom he has built a relationship and who are some of the most talented in the business.


Juve Have More Faith in Him Than a New Club Would

By his own lofty standards, Pogba's form hasn't been great of late—the outstanding showing against Bologna aside. He's still brilliant in patches, but it's been streaky in the second half of the season.

Despite that, Antonio Conte continues to play him because he knows that dips are a natural thing for any player, especially one so young. Conte also knows what a great talent he's got on his hands, and he's obviously keen to nurture it.

If Pogba moves to another club for big money, he'll be expected to justify the fee right away, and any slumps in form as he develops are unlikely to be looked upon kindly.

Young players who find themselves going through difficult periods are all too often labelled flops or unfairly criticised for not being the finished article by the age of 21. Staying at Juve will give him more time to develop and fine-tune his talent.

[Socrates 8295]

Zidane calls Pogba to Madrid

Apr 28, 2014

France Football claim Zinedine Zidane has asked Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to join him at Real Madrid.

According to the French publication, Real assistant manager and sporting director Zidane made the phone call personally to the Bleus star.

Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are already known to be interested in signing Pogba over the summer.

Juve have been adamant they will not part with the 20-year-old, who joined as a free agent two years ago from Manchester United’s youth academy.

However, they could waver if presented with an offer worth upwards of €70m.

Real have been known to make marquee signings every summer, spending €100m to take Gareth Bale from Tottenham last term.

It’s reported Carlo Ancelotti sees Pogba as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso in the Real Madrid midfield.

[Socrates 8295]

Paul Pogba wants to be an impact player

Apr 28, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba aims to make France forget the 2010 World Cup and leave his mark as an impact player.

"What happened just happened," Pogba told ESPN FC’s Gabriele Marcotti about the 2010 debacle. "You have to make people forget about this. We’re gonna try our best to make them forget this."

Pogba has already established himself in the France national team, and his dynamic midfield displays for Les Bleus have seen parallels drawn between himself and Vieira, who was part of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning squads.

But Pogba 21, who moved to Turin in 2012 after failing to break into the Manchester United first team, said he is determined to trace his own path and avoid comparison to Arsenal great Patrick Vieira.

"I want to be Paul Pogba, not Vieira, but I want to be better than him," Pogba told Marcotti. "It’s gonna be hard because Patrick Vieira is a top-class player and to become better than him I have to work hard."

France coach Didier Deschamps has been credited with renovating the squad after taking the reins from Laurent Blanc following France’s elimination by Spain at Euro 2012. France competes in Brazil in Group E with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.

"For the team, we have a very good group, we get on a lot outside the pitch and in the pitch. That is a good thing," Pogba told Marcotti. "We have a lot of young players, that is good, I think is a good mix. We could've picked (drawn) a lot of bigger teams, but World Cup is World Cup. If they qualified for the World Cup, that means they are good. The World Cup you never know who is gonna win. We have to play like we’re playing against Spain or Portugal or bigger team, you know? That’s what we have to do."

Pogba said he has a childhood memory of France winning the World Cup in 1998 when he was just aged 5.

"I remember because we were at home and we saw the final against Brazil and we all went out on the street, all happy," he said. "I remember that day. That’s the thing I remember of the World Cup."

Vieira, a three-time Premier League champion with Arsenal who left the Londoners in 2005 to join Juve, said Pogba is a more complete player than he was at the same stage of his career, which coincided with Pogba's early years in England.

"He's more technical and more at ease with the ball than I was at the same age," Vieira told beIN SPORTS.

"It's easier for him to go forward. I was more concerned with defensive duties. He's more attack-minded, and takes part more in the team's play."

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba agent to meet Juve

May 1, 2014

Paul Pogba’s future at Juventus beyond this season is seen as set to be resolved, with his agent reported as in Turin this week.

Reports this season have increasingly focused on the young Frenchman’s future, with Juventus seen as willing to hand the midfielder an improved contract, against apparent interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Whilst his agent Mino Raiola commented recently that a decision on the 21-year-old’s future would not be made until after the World Cup, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport are running the line that the agent will be in Turin this week for such talks.

A guest at tonight’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Benfica, Raiola is seen as set for talks with Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, over the club’s apparent readiness to extend his current deal by a year and treble his net salary to €4.5m.

[Socrates 8295]

Marotta: No Pogba talks yet

May 2, 2014

Beppe Marotta commented yesterday on there being ‘no issue’ with Paul Pogba’s contract and indeed no talks this week planned with his agent.

The Frenchman’s representative Mino Raiola was a guest at Juventus Stadium last night for the Europa League semi-final second leg, prompting speculation that discussions were to be held this week over the 21-year-old’s future, with it seen split between a new contract in Turin and a move to one of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea.

However, for the club’s director general, Pogba is not up for discussion until at least the end of the season.

“As we have always said Pogba is one of our players and a contractual issue does not exist. I do not think that there is any kind of problem,” Marotta told Mediaset before yesterday’s draw.

“Is he bulletproof [sic] then? That is a strong word for him like it is for others but there are all the indications that he will continue on with us.

“Raiola was at the stadium because these days there are so many representatives in football and he is one of the guests. We have a great relationship.

“We will not speak of Pogba, there is no case with Pogba and at the end of the season we are going to review the contract. Pogba is important for his quality.”