Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8296]

No Paul Pogba-Marco Verratti swap
deal with PSG and Juventus - agent

Jan 21, 2015

Marco Verratti's agent has insisted his client will not serve as a makeweight should Paris Saint-Germain attempt to move for Juventus' Paul Pogba.

Italian media have reported Pogba, 21, is a high priority target for PSG, who are apparently keen to bolster their midfield with the France international.

The former Manchester United youngster's arrival at the Parc des Princes could be eased should Verratti, 22, agree to move in the opposite direction where Juve are known admirers of the Italy international.

However, the player's agent, Donato Di Campli, told Tele Radio Stereo 92.7 that Verratti would not be included in any deal other than a potential transfer of his own out of the French capital.

He said: "Everyone says good things about Marco. I have to emphasise that, with all the respect I have for Pogba, Marco is not a makeweight for anyone.

"If someone decides to knock on PSG's door, they have to do so exclusively to talk about Verratti and strike a deal with the French club without thinking about including him in any sort of talks for another player."

Verratti, who arrived at PSG on a five-year deal as a relative unknown from Pescara in 2012, has signed two contract extensions with the French champions, the most recent of which last September, tying him to PSG until 2019.

[Socrates 8296]

Chelsea readying Pogba bid?

Jan 22, 2015

English Premier League side Chelsea are said to be preparing a €52m bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman signed a new contract with the Bianconeri in October, but that hasn’t quelled speculation that the French international will leave the Italian champions this summer.

According to the Daily Express, Chelsea are ready to test Juve’s resolve, offering a fee of around €52m, plus Andre Schurrle and possible John Obi Mikel.

The newspaper reports that Blues manager Jose Mourinho is already looking to strengthen the squad at Stamford Bridge for next year, but will offer a cash plus players deal to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: ‘Juve can go far in Europe’

Jan 23, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba believes the Bianconeri can ‘go far’ in the Champions League this season.

The Bianconeri have dominated the domestic scene in recent years, winning three Scudetti in a row and currently sitting five points clear at the top of Serie A.

However, the Old Lady have not been able to translate that form into Europe, and were eliminated last year in the Champions League group stages, before falling at the semi-final stage of the Europa League with the final in their own ground.

“What are we missing?” Pogba considered in an interview with JTV, Juventus’ in-house television channel.

“For every team, you also need a bit of luck. Then maybe we’re all doing very well, then suddenly two or three players get injured and everything changes.

“I think we have the team to go very far.

“But then in football it’s not possible to say who will win. But I know we can go very far and can do very well.”

The former Manchester United man also discussed the Scudetto race, and insisted the Bianconeri are not competing with Roma, but rather with everyone.

“It’s not a battle with Roma, it’s a little bit against everyone. We want to be at the top.

“Now we’re at the top and we want to finish there. Continuing to be first, that’s the battle.

“If we’re a great team we have to think about finishing the season, and being champions and after that we can relax. We’re not champions yet, and we still have to work hard and be better.

“Chievo in the next game? That’s always a tough fixture. The next game is always a hard one, especially since we’ve just won three in a row, and that can make things even more difficult.

“We know Chievo defend well, so we have to be ready.

“The problem is that teams shut up shop against us, so we have to do more.”

As well as Manchester United and Juventus, Pogba has played in his native France for Le Havre, and discusses the differences between Ligue 1, the Premier League and Serie A.

“Starting with the French, that’s the most technical-tactical,” Pogba explained.

“There’s a little bit of both things. It’s not like in England. There it’s more physical, there’s a lot of intensity and I like that aspect, as well as the culture.

“In Italy it’s more tactical, the defending is better than in other Leagues. I believe that, because I’ve played in all three and I’ve seen that difference.”

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: ‘Turin is good for me’

Jan 23, 2015

Paul Pogba says ‘Turin is good for me’ amidst rumours of a move away from Juventus in the summer.

The French midfielder has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, with his agent admitting he won’t stay with the Bianconeri forever.

In an interview with Juventus’ in-house television channel the 21-year-old revealed he’s been learning Spanish - but only because he’s good friends with Fernando Llorente.

“Turin is very calm, and it’s good for me to relax and to focus,” Pogba explained.

“I like to sit and watch TV series like The Walking Dead with [Patrice] Evra, who is my Uncle Pat. Just like in Manchester [united] there’s the French group.

“Then there’s Fernando Llorente, I see him a lot. He’s my Spanish teacher.

“Sometimes we go to eat with the team, and I love spending time with them. I think it’s a good thing which helps the squad stay united and that’s very important.

“I’m find in Turin, I think it’s a city which keeps you focus on the job of playing football.

“In Milan there are too many things to do. There are many restaurants, there’s fashion week… many things to do.”

Despite being a relative youngster, Pogba has established himself as one of Juve’s key players, and the former Manchester United man puts that down to always focusing on the next target.

“In my mind there are always so many targets.

“For example, if we win the League again there are other goals I want to achieve. We’ve never ‘arrived’, that’s the way I am.

“It’s true that the Juve players have helped me too. The environment at Juventus is always helpful for me.”

[Socrates 8296]

Paul Pogba's agent says Juventus
departure won't happen in January

Jan 23, 2015

Paul Pogba won't be making a winter exit from Serie A club Juventus despite persistent rumours to the contrary, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

The French midfielder has been linked to various Premier League and La Liga clubs including his former team Manchester United and current Champions League title-holders Real Madrid during the winter transfer window.

Pogba, who just signed a new five-year deal with Juventus, could make a summer move according to his agent, but for now he'll remain in Italy.

"Paul renewed his contract in Italy. There is a five-year deal with Juventus and what June and July brings, we will see in June and July," Raiola told Sky Sports.

"He will stay here this window in Italy and after that it's also up to Juventus and up to himself to see what are the possibilities and what are the things to do.

"I have been in football long enough to say that I cannot foresee the future. Today Paul Pogba is the most expensive player if he would be on the market. That's the risk, that's normal. There are only a few clubs that can afford him."

Raiola confirmed he was well aware of the interest surrounding his client and added that Pogba would have no issues returning to Manchester United even though he left Old Trafford saying he'd never return.

"Paul has always said he is not angry with Manchester United, you need to move on," said Raiola. "So there is no personal grudge against Manchester United. On the contrary, he holds Manchester United very dear and has very nice memories."

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba will make history, says Pirlo

The young Frenchman's team-mate in Turin, who is considered one of the all-time
midfield greats, talked up his prospects as long as he does not go off the rails.

Jan 25, 2015

Andrea Pirlo has exclaimed that Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba will go down in history if he stays on his current trajectory.

The France international, 21, arrived in Turin on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2012 and has progressed into one of the highest-rated midfielders in the world en route to back-to-back Scudetti.

His performances have not gone unnoticed: Pogba has been linked with an array of clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, although his agent insists he is staying at Juventus until at least the summer.

And Pirlo, who has partnered Pogba in midfield for two and a half years, has predicted greatness awaits the young Juve star should he continue progressing at his current rate.

"Pogba has never stopped improving," the veteran Italian told Telefoot. "He has everything to become a great player. If he keeps his head on his shoulders, he can mark history."

The Frenchman himself commented on the prestige of playing for Juventus and praised compatriot and team-mate Kingsley Coman, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2014.

"I’m at a great club," Pogba said. "Juve are one the best clubs right now. Kingsley Coman has shown great maturity for someone who is only 18. He will impress you."

Coman, meanwhile, reiterated his desire to follow in the footsteps of Pogba at Juventus and the 18-year-old discussed the reasons behind leaving Laurent Blanc's Ligue 1 holders behind last year.

"When I talked to Juve, they told me that French players are always doing great here, a little bit like Brazilian players at PSG," he said.

"Juve are a great club, just like PSG, but Juve have a better history. They took Pogba as an example. He arrived at Juve at the same age as me and he succeeded. It convinced me."

[Socrates 8296]

Forget the €100m – Juventus can’t replace unplayable Pogba

The Frenchman scored another cracking goal to rescue his side against Chievo – his fourth
strike in successive games. No money in the world can substitute the 21-year-old.

Jan 25, 2015

By Carlo Garganese

If Paul Pogba was worth €100 million before this weekend, his price tag has now soared to even more astronomical levels following another stunning performance on Sunday.

Juventus were struggling badly to break down a stubborn Chievo Verona side in Turin when Pogba came to the rescue on the hour mark. He picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and dribbled past an opponent before unleashing a left-footed missile into the corner.

Until that moment, the Bianconeri had created little. Chievo packed the defence hoping to grind out a vital point in their fight against relegation, and their game-plan appeared to be working perfectly. With Andrea Pirlo absent due to illness, Carlos Tevez man-marked, and Alvaro Morata subdued due to a deep defensive line – the only opportunity of note for Juve in the first period was a header that the Spaniard glanced wide.

“They defended very well. Until the first goal, they didn’t leave us much space,” Pogba confessed to Sky Sport at full time.

But it is the world class players who step up to the plate when it really matters, and Pogba illustrated with his latest wonder-strike just why his agent Mino Raiola values him at more than €100m. He was involved again eight minutes later when the champions doubled their lead. All in one manoeuvre, he majestically stretched his long legs to control substitute Simone Padoin’s left-wing cross before firing a volley towards goal. Albano Bizzarri repelled the Frenchman’s effort, but Stephan Lichtsteiner was on hand to dispatch the rebound.

Thanks to Pogba, Juventus extended their lead at the top of the Serie A table to eight points ahead of Roma’s tricky trip to the Stadio Franchi to play Fiorentina on Sunday night. With the 21-year-old in such irrepressible form, it is hard to see how Juventus can be stopped as they charge towards a fourth straight Scudetto.

And it is hard to see how Juventus can possibly replace the most complete midfielder in world football should they sell the Frenchman in the near future.

The former Manchester United man has now scored in four successive games in 2015 – and he is hitting form just in time for the Champions League knockouts where Juventus face Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid have already begun playing their traditional transfer games in the media – with Zinedine Zidane admitting this week that "the best players always go to Madrid in the end” and Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta accusing Carlo Ancelotti of “telling a white lie” over the Blancos’ interest in the star.

Given the financial restraints in Italy, Juventus are resigned to losing Pogba at some point. Marcello Lippi remarked earlier this week that sacrificing Pogba would “generate enough money to buy three or four great players" - alluding to the world record sale of Zidane to Madrid in 2001 which financed the signings of Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved.

But Zidane's situation is somewhat different to that of Pogba's, as Allegri noted after the match on Sunday.

"Everything in life has a price but it will be difficult to replace him. He has 10 great years ahead of him, with all the possibility to grow even more."

Even with more than €100m to spend on new players, how do you possibly substitute the finest midfielder on the planet? No sum of money could soothe the loss of the 21-year-old based on his current form.

[Socrates 8296]

Raiola: Pogba Costs Too Much For Most Clubs

Jan 26, 2015

Mino Raiola, agent of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, has revealed that his client costs too much for most teams to afford but admits there are several clubs that may be able to shell out the right amount of cash for his services.

The 21-year-old star has been linked with a possible move to numerous European giants since the summer, but has so far stated his intentions to continue his career with the Bianconeri, though his agent is yet to fully rule out a move away from the reigning Serie A champions in the near future.

Raiola spoke to the Daily Mail about his client’s transfer situation and confirmed that some of the clubs rumoured to be interested in the Juventus talent could indeed afford him as long as they were willing to spend a bit of money.

“Pogba costs a lot,” said the agent. “I think that there are only a few clubs that could actually afford to purchase him.

“There may be about seven or so, like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.”

[Socrates 8296]

Pirlo: Pogba will never go back to Manchester United

The Italian midfielder feels Sir Alex Ferguson made a mistake in failing to keep
the France international and believes the 21-year-old will never return to Old Trafford.

Jan 28, 2015

Andrea Pirlo insists Manchester United are living with their mistake of allowing Paul Pogba to join Juventus and believes the French midfielder is unlikely to ever return to Old Trafford.

Pogba left United for the Serie A champions in July 2012 after growing frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 21-year-old immediately became a regular fixture at Juventus and has already won two Serie A titles during his time in Italy.

"For whatever reasons they [Manchester United] chose not to give him a chance, and that is a mistake they will have to live with now," Pirlo told Telefoot.

"I can’t see that Pogba will ever return to Manchester United."

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba will leave Juventus, says Raiola

The midfielder's representative has made it clear the in-demand,
former Manchester United starlet will depart Turin within the next 18 months.

Jan 29, 2015

Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has reiterated that the Frenchman is destined to leave Juventus amid interest from clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

The France international, 21, recently signed a new deal with the Serie A champions until June 2019, but his representative has stressed that the much-coveted midfielder is unlikely to honour the agreement.

"His contract renewal was an easy decision. Not signing a new deal would have created a problem for Juventus and a weakness for Paul," Raiola told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"I want the club that buys him to believe in him and be willing to pay for him. If Paul leaves Juventus, it is for the absolute top. If it does not happen this year, it will be next year.

"Paul is at the same level economically as the other big stars and has a similar reputation, so he could stay for another year.

"But Paul is the only major star who is available at the end of the season. If you cannot take Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, you can only go for Paul.

"If someone wants him, the market situation could see him go for more than €100 million."

Raiola then went on to explain why Pogba picked Juventus over AC Milan when his contract with Manchester United expired in 2012, while also revealing that Inter opted against signing his client at the time.

"[Former Bianconeri boss] Antonio Conte deserves the credit for Paul's development. He needs someone who tells him to do his thing and give him some space.

"Do you know why I told him to sign for Juventus? Milan wanted to sign him together with Genoa and then send him there on loan. Inter then said they did not want to create a row with [ex-Manchester United boss] Alex Ferguson.

"With Juventus the deal was quite simple. They signed him, gave him the wages of a first-team player and did not send him out on loan."

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba sends rumour mill spinning with Spanish revelation

PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea are all keen on signing the Frenchman
but has the 21-year-old hinted he wants to continue his career in La Liga?

Jan 31, 2015

Real Madrid's hopes of winning the race to sign Paul Pogba have been boosted by the revelation that the Juventus star is learning Spanish.

The France international, 21, is under contract with the Scudetto holders until 2019 but the midfielder's agent announced on Friday that he expects Pogba to depart Turin inside the next 18 months.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with a €100 million move for the midfielder but, if Pogba's latest comments are a hint towards his destination, then it looks like his future might lie in La Liga.

"I'm very happy in Turin," the 21-year-old told 'Filo Diretto' on JTV. "It's a perfect city.

"I love to live every day to the fullest. When I'm not busy with the team, I like to watch television or go out with my friends, Juve full-back Patrice Evra and forward Fernando Llorente.

"It's thanks to Llorente that I'm learning Spanish."

Pogba has gone from strength-to-strength since joining Juve from Manchester United in the summer of 2012, winning two Serie A titles as well as the award for the best young player at last year's World Cup.

[Socrates 8296]

"Juventus should sell Pogba, he's no Messi"

The midfielder has been tipped to depart Turin for Real Madrid in the summer
and one of his current club's former coaches believes they would be wise to cash in.

Feb 7, 2015

Giovanni Trapattoni says Paul Pogba is no Lionel Messi and Juventus should therefore sell him in the summer and strengthen their squad with the proceeds from his transfer fee.

Speculation during the January transfer window linked the France midfielder with a move to Real Madrid - and the Spanish club refused to distance themselves from a possible bid.

The player's agent, Mino Raiola, has previously stated that the sale of Pogba would likely surpass the €80 million Madrid spent on signing Cristiano Ronaldo's from Manchester United, and Trapattoni says Juve would be foolish to turn down such an offer.

"If a club wants to do crazy things for a player then it's better to let them go," he told Tuttosport.

"Pogba is a great player but he isn't Messi. It would be silly not to sell him for €100m. Juventus could get three quality players at a medium to high European level with the money.

"It would be risky to try spending all the money on one player purely to replace Pogba."

Juve are on course to win a fourth straight Serie A title and Trapattoni has backed current boss Massimiliano Allegri to guide the club to further domestic dominance in the coming years.

"There is the potential for Juventus to win five Scudetti in a row," he continued.

"Inside Juventus, though, they will be planning two years ahead of where we are now and they will be thinking of winning seven or eight straight titles. It's an engine that never stops running."

[Socrates 8296]

Agent: 'Pogba costs over €94m'

Jan 26, 2015

Paul Pogba’s agent said he will leave Juventus “if the right moment arrives,” but it’ll cost more than €94m.

Mino Raiola spoke to French media Telefoot about the talented 21-year-old.

“He could only really go to six clubs,” said Raiola, referring to Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG.

“If the right moment arrives this summer, then he will move. Otherwise, he’ll stay at Juventus. His transfer is not an objective in and of itself. We are in no rush.

“I can tell you that Pogba will beat the transfer record of €94m set by Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Real Madrid.”

Raiola also lavished praise on one of his other clients, Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“There will never be another like him. I think he’s better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. I don’t like to make predictions, but he has a contract with PSG and contracts are to be respected.”

[Socrates 8296]

You don't need to be Einstein to see
'Mona Lisa' Pogba is the best - Raiola

The France international's agent says the midfielder is in a league of his own
and tipped him to become the most expensive transfer in football history when he leaves Juventus.

Feb 8, 2015

Mino Raiola has said Paul Pogba is the best young midfielder in the world and suggested he could be set for a world-record transfer from Juventus this summer.

The France international has been in inspired form for the Italian champions this season, once again fuelling reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid and Manchester City.

And Raiola says it’s clear to see that the 21-year-old former Manchester United midfielder is in a league of his own, and that a summer move could see become football’s most expensive player.

“As of today, there is no 21-year-old who shows that he can take charge of a team at the highest level the way that Pogba does,” Raiola told Telefoot.

“Paul does that with Juve and France. You don’t need to be Einstein to see that he can play in for very best teams.

“If the summer is the right time for a move, then we will seize the opportunity. But if he wants to, he could stay one more year.

“He will beat Ronaldo’s transfer record, because there can be only one Mona Lisa.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s €94 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2009 was eclipsed by Gareth Bales’s €100 million move to the Bernabeu in 2013, though club president Florentino Perez claims fluctuating exchange rates mean the former was the more costly.

Pogba starred for Juve once again on Saturday, inspiring his side to a 3-1 victory over AC Milan, carving out a match-high four opportunities for his side.

[Socrates 8296]

Emerson tells Pogba: Don't leave Juventus for Real Madrid

The ex-Brazil midfielder, who endured a tough time in Spain,
has warned the Frenchman to think carefully before following in his footsteps.

Feb 13, 2015

Former Juventus midfielder Emerson has urged Paul Pogba not to make the same mistake he did by leaving the Italian champions for Real Madrid .

The Brazilian moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2006, but he left Madrid again after just one season following an unsuccessful year.

Emerson has now warned that Pogba would have to prove himself all over again if he were to move to Madrid and has advised him to stay at Juventus instead.

"Pogba should not make the same mistake that I made," Emerson was quoted as saying by Tuttosport .

"You have to start all over again when you join a new team. Pogba has a special status at Juventus and has a phenomenon like Andrea Pirlo at his side. I would think twice before making the decision to leave Juventus for Madrid.

"It is not all gold that glitters at Real Madrid. Their fans are very demanding. They always expect a new player to make the difference, even more so if a transfer fee of about €100 million has been paid.

"Cristiano Ronaldo will always have the backing of the fans after everything he has achieved, but it can be hard for new players who don't impress right away.

"Madrid are one of the best clubs in the world, but Juventus are back to their old level, too. They are dominant in Serie A and have now set their sights on European success."

Pogba, 21, recently signed a new contract with Juventus until June 2019, but his agent Mino Raiola has since stated more than once that the France international will leave the club in the not too distant future.

Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a bid for the player should he decide to move.

[Socrates 8296]

Nedved: ‘Pogba under contract’

Feb 13, 2015

Juventus board member Pavel Nedved insists it’s not a foregone conclusion that the club will sell Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman is one of the hottest properties in Europe, and has been the source of constant speculation over his future.

Former Juventus midfielder Emerson advised the 21-year-old to stay in Turin, and Nedved reminds potential suitors that the player is under contract.

“I keep hearing it’s almost certain that Pogba will leave Juventus at the end of the season,” the former Czech international said in an interview with Avvenire.

“Those words are premature, because he’s still under contract. Paul is 21-years-old, and he has everything he needs to become an absolutely top class player.

“If later on he asks to leave, then we’ll talk.”

[Socrates 8296]

Nedved urges Chelsea target Pogba to stay at Juventus

The midfielder has been linked with a move away, as Europe's elite circle for his signature,
however the club legend believes the Frenchman should remain with the club.

Feb 14, 2015

Talk of Paul Pogba quitting Juventus for Real Madrid this summer is "premature", according to board member and club legend Pavel Nedved.

The Frenchman's future has been the suject of intense speculation in recent months with reports claiming Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will bid for him in the summer.

Goal understands that Chelsea made Pogba their top target in 2014, and may opt to make a move this summer while former club Manchester United and neighbours City have also been linked with the midfielder.

Nedved, however, is not convinced that the 21-year-old will quit Turin at the end of 2014-15 and pointed out he still has four-and-a-half years left on his bumper contract.

"I keep hearing that it’s almost certain that Pogba will leave Juventus at the end of the season,” the Juventus legend told Avvenire.

"Such talk is premature, because he’s still under contract. Paul is 21 years old and he has everything he needs at Juve to become an absolutely world-class player.

"If later on he asks to leave, then we’ll talk."

Ex-Bianconeri and Real Madrid midfielder Emerson weighed into the Pogba debate on Friday by pleading with the ex-Manchester United man to ignore the European champion's overtures and stay in Serie A.

Juventus - who are eight points ahead of second-placed Roma at the top of Serie A - are back in action on Sunday against Cesena.

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Future Of Pogba Could Be Decided By Sponsorship

Feb 17, 2015

The future of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba this summer could be decided by personal sponsorship money.

The French international is thought to be one of the most recognisable footballers in Europe, but currently does not have a personal sponsor or a boot deal.

L’Equipe claims that the 21-year-old’s lack of personal sponsorships comes from playing in Serie A, compared to the global brands of the English Premier League and Primera Division in Spain.

“Today Pogba is in the top three in terms of image, along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Nourredine Elhaoussine of UThink Sport, a company which belong to Universal Music & Brand told the French newspaper.

Franck Hoquemiller from VIP Consulting, a company that already works with Raphael Varane of Real Madrid, believes Pogba could choose his future club on the strength of its brand as much as its footballing ambition.

Should Pogba move in the summer, he would attract millions of euros a year through various deals with leading brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma competing to influence any decision.

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French Media: Pogba Deserves More Than Juventus

Feb 17, 2015

Media outlets in France believe that the future of midfielder Paul Pogba should lie away from Juventus and Serie A this summer.

The in-demand French international is wanted by a number of clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester United, and was recently valued at more than €94 million by his agent Mino Raiola.

L’Equipe believes that the talented 21-year-old “should be playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world, since today he only plays at a big Italian club.”

The French newspaper also considers that a move could be motivated by earning potential after an investigation into why Pogba currently does not have a personal sponsorship or a boot deal.

It claims that this is a result of playing in Serie A, compared to the global brands of the English Premier League and Primera Division in Spain.

[Socrates 8296]

Juventus Must Do Everything to Keep Paul Pogba This Summer

Feb 18, 2015

Paul Pogba has quickly become one of the biggest names in world football, dazzling onlookers with a string of incredible displays. Since landing at Juventus back in 2012, he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe and comfortably the most talented star of his generation.

Still just 21 years old, his performances this term have seen the narrative around him shift drastically. Over the past two years, every time Pogba made a positive contribution to the Bianconeri, it was used to highlight the mistake made by Manchester United in allowing him to leave Old Trafford.

This season however, those match-winning outings have begun to fuel a constant stream of transfer talk, with every goal he scores seeming to inflate the fee it will take to prise him away from Serie A. Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, recently told Telefoot (h/t Daily Mail) that “if he goes he will break [Cristiano] Ronaldo's transfer record.”

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Adding that Pogba “could join any club,” Raiola then gave Juventus reason to believe they may hold onto the player a little longer than many expect, as he went on to say, “If it is not the right time, he could stay for another year or two.”

While Italian football’s struggles are well-documented—as is Juve’s failure to advance beyond the group stage of the Champions League last year—the Bianconeri must surely want to keep their prized asset for another 12 months if not longer.

Unlike many of the potential destinations, Turin is familiar to Pogba, and he has already discussed the benefits of playing for La Madama. Asked about the speculation surrounding him last month, Pogba told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia):

Personally I am happy, I want to continue like this and give everything for this team, I need to do more. I want to be a champion like Andrea [Pirlo], Gigi [buffon] and [Giorgio] Chiellini. I want to be one of the best in the world and must do everything to reach that level.

I hope for the Ballon d’Or in future, but I have a lot of work for that. I am worth €0. I am worth nothing unless I work on the field in every single game.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the club in November, signing a new contract that does not expire until 2019, per the official Juventus website. While that clearly does not prevent him from moving on, the Bianconeri should do all they can to keep him in their colours for as long as possible.

Their midfield may boast the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but Pogba regularly makes the decisive impact on the field. Only Carlos Tevez (14) has scored more than his tally of six goals in 2014-15, just one strike fewer than he managed in the whole of last season and he has also added two assists.

Statistics from WhoScored.com also show that his averages of 2.6 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game are career bests, and he is showing improvement in almost every facet of his game. The same source shows that while his pass-completion rate has fallen from 83.8 to 82.7, he is making 46.6 passes per game this year compared to 42.4 in 2013-14.

Perhaps the aspect of Pogba's game that has seen the most dramatic improvement is his dribbling, as he now completes an average of 3.1 take-ons per game. Watching him play, it is clear that he has developed a better understanding of how and when to beat an opponent, with Squawka.com showing he has improved to win 74 percent of those duels compared to just 54 percent last term.

More than that, it is enough to witness Pogba's contributions on the pitch, lifting his side to victory regularly and looking like a leader despite his young age. Juventus could buy a number of players with the fee they would receive, but it is hard to imagine the Bianconeri capturing anyone who can match his ability, temperament or impact.

Pogba is constantly improving, and Juventus would be wise to hold onto their star midfielder for as long as possible.

[Socrates 8296]

Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba Urged to Join

Feb 18, 2015

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has urged Paul Pogba to dismiss the reported interest of Manchester United and join the Blues from Juventus.

Anelka, who won four trophies with Chelsea between 2008-12, believes Pogba can play in any division, but has told the starlet to join one of his two former clubs, per France Football (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express):

Paul technically knows everything and he has the qualities to play anywhere. My preference is for him to join Chelsea, who have very strong players and the financial power of [Roman] Abramovich. Also Real Madrid, who are one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the greatest. He would grow a lot under Carlo Ancelotti.

Pogba is currently the subject of fierce speculation. As noted by Chapman, the likes of Chelsea and United are suggested to be front-runners for his signature, while Ben Jefferson of the same publication suggests Paris Saint-Germain could also be in the mix.

Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, previously suggested any suitors will need to stump up in excess of £85 million to convince Juve to sell.

"If the right time comes this summer, then it will happen," said Raiola, reported by Telefoot (h/t Kieran Gill of the MailOnline). "If it is not the right time, he could stay for another year or two. He will beat the transfer record. If there is one Mona Lisa in the world, and she is for sale, it will be a record price."

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Jonathan Johnson recently discussed whether Pogba could become football's first £100 million player.

Jose Mourinho has proven himself conscious of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules in recent times. Juan Cuadrado's arrival was met with Andre Schurrle's departure, while Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne were pushed through the door in January 2014 to make way for Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah.

Let's not forget the £50 million exit of David Luiz, which helped fund Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas' arrivals in the summer.

As such, it could be difficult to raise in excess of £85 million without significantly impacting the squad. Pogba is a terrific young player—a current superstar and future legend if he continues to improve—but a world-record transfer could be problematic for the west London club.

[Socrates 8296]

Chelsea and Manchester City lead race for Pogba

The Premier League duo are set to go head-to-head to sign the Juventus midfielder
in the summer, while Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.

Feb 19, 2015

By Duncan Castles

Chelsea and Manchester City are leading the race to land Paul Pogba in the summer, with the Juventus midfielder keen on a return to the Premier League.

Goal understands that the title-chasing duo have made the 21-year-old France international a transfer priority, with Pogba's preferred choice being a return to England should he be allowed to leave Juve when the transfer window reopens.

Pogba has carved out a reputation as one of the top midfield players in world football since leaving Manchester United in somewhat acrimonious circumstances back in 2012, with every leading European club keeping a close eye on his transfer situation.

The Frenchman only agreed an improved deal with Serie A champions Juventus in October although Goal understands the Italian club are preparing themselves for his departure and are looking at recuperating a fee of at least £44 million.

Both Chelsea and City will have to consider FFP regulations when putting together any bid for Pogba although the £5.13bn Premier League television rights deal, which kicks into gear for the 2016-17 season, has strengthened their arm.

Pogba is being seen as a potential replacement for Yaya Toure at the Etihad Stadium, with the Ivory Coast captain looking increasingly likely to leave the club in the summer and with Roberto Mancini's Inter having been strongly linked.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are prepared to go toe-to-toe with City and are a club that the 21-year-old admires, with Pogba's combination of physical and technical prowess well-suited to Jose Mourinho's attack-minded Blues side.

Louis van Gaal's Manchester United would also be willing to spend big to take the midfielder back to Old Trafford although they remain outsiders given Pogba's exit from the club three years ago.

The Juve star was hugely unimpressed by United's behaviour towards him after he sought first-team football and an improved contact back in 2011, with Pogba restricted to just 71 minutes of Premier League football and, at one point, ordered to train alone prior to his move to Juve.

Pogba's representative Mino Raiola will be heavily involved in any potential negotiations over the midfielder's future, with the Italian super agent having previously suggested that he could be sold for a record fee in the summer.

As for competition from Europe for Pogba's signature, Goal understands that PSG and Real Madrid have both made enquiries over the 21-year-old's availability.

A bid from the Champions League holders could well turn the player's head although Goal understands that certain members of the Madrid hierarchy would prefer Dortmund winger Marco Reus as the club's next Galactico signing.

[Socrates 8296]

Marino: ‘Pogba will leave Juventus’

Feb 20, 2015

Atalanta’s Pierpaolo Marino predicts midfielder Paul Pogba will 'leave Juventus', whilst he talks up interest for Davide Zappacosta.

The Nerazzurri director general held long interview with Tuttosport out today, discussing the future of the French talent and the Old Lady's market strategy.

“Pogba is going to leave,” Marino has stated. “I'm sorry for the supporters but not so much for the club, as they will make a fantastic profit out of it.

“If his agent is [Mino] Raiola then his fate has already been sealed. Raiola doesn't keep players in the same club for 10 years. I think he'll end up in Real Madrid.

“Pogba could have joined Atalanta. We were supposed to get him on a shared ownership, but the player was against the deal.”

Marino also dismissed the link between the Bianconeri and Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, suggesting the club should turn their interest elsewhere.

“He has a good profile, but Juve need someone like Cavani.

“Juventus will win the Champions League in the future and selling Pogba could work to that end.

“[Edinson] Cavani would substantially boost the Bianconeri's quality, the more so if they could purchase him alongside [Paris Saint-Germain’s other striker Ezequiel] Lavezzi.”

In closing, Marino also offered statement on full-back Davide Zappacosta, who could be a possible Juventus target for the summer.

“But he's also in the sights of Roma, Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli.

“Zappacosta is a pupil of mine. He's a bit like [Gianluca] Zambrotta.”

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba would cost Real Madrid €100 million - Raiola

If the Blancos want to sign the Juventus midfielder in the summer transfer window
then they need to equal their world-record fee, the agent has proclaimed.

Feb 21, 2015

Real Madrid would need to equal their world-record transfer fee of €100 million to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus this summer, according to the midfielder's agent, Mino Raiola.

Pogba's days at the Scudetto holders are looking increasingly numbered and this week Chelsea and Manchester City emerged as leading the race to sign the 21-year-old ahead of the European champions and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Real Madrid have a track record of splashing out more cash than any of their rivals and they have been frequently mentioned as frontrunners when a potential summer move for Pogba is mooted.

Raiola has expressed that La Liga's table-toppers need to match the triple-figure sum they spent on luring Gareth Bale away from Tottenham if they want the France international to be on their books next season.

"If Real Madrid want him then they should call me," the agent told Marca. "Madrid are a dangerous club to move to, as the pressure can hurt players' careers, but Pogba is ready.

"He is very focused on his life and his career. Nothing is insurmountable for him. I know he's liked a lot by Madrid coaches Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, but Paul's only thinking about Juve right now.

"Money's not a problem for clubs like Real Madrid. The cost of signing him would be €100 million - whoever signs him gets the star of the next generation of players."

Raiola also suggested that Juve's prize player - who they signed from Manchester United almost three years ago on a free transfer - has more than a little bit of PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic about him.

"There is no one like Pogba," the agent added. "He's dominated interest in the transfer market for a year and a half.

"Only seven clubs in the world can afford Pogba. He is the up-and-coming player with cojones like Ibrahimovic."

[Socrates 8296]

Juventus star Paul Pogba 'not interested
in Manchester United return'

Feb 27, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba reportedly has no intention of returning to Manchester United in the future, despite rumours that the Premier League giants are interested in the Frenchman.

The 21-year-old left Old Trafford on a free transfer to Juve back in 2012 following an alleged fallout with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Since leaving the Red Devils, Pogba has gone on to become one of the most talented youngsters in Europe and has reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid.

According to the Daily Star, the midfielder is certain that he will never return to United as he feels that he has bigger options should he ever leave Juventus.

Pogba has been valued at £75m by his agent Mino Raiola.