Paul Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/88342/pogba-meets-raiola-miami

Manchester United will be paying too much if they meet Paul Pogba's reported£100 million transfer value, according to Paul Scholes.

The club's former midfielder believes that Pogba -- who left Manchester Unitedin 2012 after a disagreement over playing time and wages -- is a superb player and would be a welcome addition to the United squad, but feels that he is not worthy of a fee that would put him on the level of the world's best players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He was a very talented player, I played with him quite a lot," Scholes said.

"If you ask me, at that time his agent was asking for a lot of money for a player who did not play first-team football except once or twice.

"Okay, he has gone on to great things and there was a massive improvement in him. But for that money you would need a player who scores 50-plus goals a season, like Ronaldo or Messi.

"Pogba is not there yet. I just don't think he is a player worth £100m right now."

Pogba would be United's fourth signing of the summer, joining Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a new look midfield and playing behind former Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Socrates · July 25, 2016

Pogba meets Raiola in Miami

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2917682/juventus-paul-pogba-posts-photo-with-agent-mino-raiola

French reports suggest Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will meet with his agent in Miami today to discuss a move to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is currently on holiday in the United States, and Mino Raiola flew out to Florida last week.

According to France Football, the agent will today meet with Pogba in order to discuss the transfer to Man United.

The Bianconeri have made it clear that they consider the midfielder unsellable, unless he informs them that he wants to leave.

Today’s reported meeting could therefore be crucial, especially if Pogba reiterates his desire to move to Old Trafford.

Juve are very close to signing Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli, and while they can afford the striker without selling Pogba, it’s more likely that they’ll recoup the funds by selling the Frenchman.

It’s thought that the two clubs are close to agreeing a fee, with United offering €110m and the Old Lady demanding €120m.

However, the total cost for the English side is likely to be around €140m, as Juventus want them to pay Raiola’s commission of 20 per cent.

UPDATE: Paul Pogba has confirmed the meeting, posting a picture on Instagram of himself and Raiola in a pool with the caption "We say it all by saying nothing at all".

Socrates · July 25, 2016

Juventus' Paul Pogba posts 'holiday' photo with agent Mino Raiola

http://www.football-italia.net/88347/juventus-try-convince-pogba?

Paul Pogba posted a picture of himself alongside his agent Mino Raiola, with the Juventus midfielder stating he is on his "holidays" still, as speculation continued to grow around Europe that a move for him to Manchester United is close.

The pair are expected to discuss Pogba's future imminently, with the Frenchman having given no indication about which destination he favours next, since speaking to ESPN Deportes and describing United as his "first family" on July 14.

United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward flew out to Beijing at the end of last week, having earlier been uncertain about whether he would travel to China.

In Pogba's post on his Instagram page, he wrote: "En disant rien on a tout dis. we say it all by saying nothing at all #holidays"

Pogba returning to United, after leaving for Juventus in 2012, would make him the fourth signing that manager Jose Mourinho has made for the club, and any completed deal is expected to smash the world record transfer fee.

Socrates · July 25, 2016

Juventus try to convince Pogba

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/88352/juventus-play-hardball-over-pogba?

Juventus are trying to convince Paul Pogba to stay for an assault on the Champions League, according to reports.

The French midfielder is believed to be close to Manchester United, though the Bianconeri have so far not accepted an offer from the Red Devils.

Pogba met with his agent, Mino Raiola, in Miami today, but posted only a cryptic message on Instagram.

According to Sky, Raiola is trying to convince the 23-year-old to return to Manchester United, while his current club are doing everything to get him to stay.

A deal to take Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli to Turin is being formalised, and should be completed within the next seven days.

The Bianconeri are aiming to convince Pogba that if he stays and Pipita arrives, the club will be in prime position to challenge for the Champions League.

That is something Manchester United cannot offer for at least this season, having only qualified for the Europa League.

As previously reported, the Old Lady don’t have to sell Pogba to pay for Higuain, as they are expected to make a number of other sales.

Socrates · July 26, 2016

Juventus play hardball over Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/88367/pogba-agent-returns-italy

Juventus will not budge from their asking price of €120m for Paul Pogba, according to reports.

Manchester United are trying to bring the French midfielder to Old Trafford, but have yet to agree a deal with the Bianconeri.

This morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport believes today could be a decisive day for the transfer, as the Old Lady have made it clear that there is no room to negotiate over the price.

The potential deal for Pogba has nothing to do with Gonzalo Higuain’s arrival, the newspaper reports, and Juve have only agreed to deal with United because the player has expressed his willingness to return to England.

However, the Bianconeri are now waiting to see whether the arrival of Higuain will change the French international’s mind, given that the Red Devils aren’t even in the Champions League.

Today Manchester United’s chief executive Ed Woodward will return from China, and Juve are expecting a call.

The transfer would probably end up costing United upward of €140m, as the Turin side are unwilling to pay Mino Raiola’s agent fee, and want €120m up front with no bonuses or clauses.

Juventus are considering alternatives such as Axel Witsel of Zenit St Petersburg and Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, but won’t give up hope until Pogba definitively says he wants out.

Socrates · July 26, 2016

Pogba agent returns to Italy

http://www.football-italia.net/88386/marotta-meets-raiola-over-pogba?

New talks between Paul Pogba’s agent and Juventus are expected after Mino Raiola returned from Miami.

Manchester United are pushing to sign the French midfielder this summer, though Juventus are playing hardball over the fee.

Pogba’s agent flew out to Miami to speak with his client, and yesterday it wasconfirmed that the pair had spoken.

Now Sky is reporting that Raiola will be back in Italy today, and new talks are expected with the Bianconeri over his client’s future.

United are thought to be offering €110m, but the Old Lady are demanding €120m, not including fees due to Raiola.

Socrates · July 26, 2016

Marotta meets Raiola over Pogba

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2918081/paul-pogbas-

Talks were held this afternoon between Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta and Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola.

The French midfielder has been heavily linked with a world record transfer to Manchester United this summer, with the Premier League side willing to pay in excess of €110m to secure his services.

However, while various media outlets claim a fee has been agreed between the clubs, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio says certain details still need to be ironed out in order to satisfy all parties.

According to English media, one of these details is the fee that Raiola will receive. Sky report that neither United nor Juve want to pay the €20m the super-agent is demanding for brokering the deal.

Socrates · July 27, 2016

Paul Pogba's future: Pros and cons for

Man United, Real Madrid and Juve

future-pros-and-cons-for-man-united-real-madrid-and-juventus

It's the story that will define this transfer window and one that promises to make history: Where does Paul Pogba's future lie?

Is it worth it for Manchester United or Real Madrid to break the world transfer record to get him? Or should Juventus stay strong and not give into the pressure to sell their star?

ESPN FC looks at the pros and cons of signing Pogba for the three clubs involved.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Pros

A mood change: Regardless of the cost involved, the world record signing of Pogba, particularly in addition to the appointment of Jose Mourinho and free transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, would generate huge enthusiasm after a series of distinctly un-United years of disappointment. On paper at least, they would look like they're back again just when they need to be, with Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino upping standards of the Premier League.

The Happy One: Mourinho would have liked United to have wrapped things up earlier, but Pogba's arrival would mean he has got the four players he targeted this summer -- Pogba, Zlatan, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The missing piece: Neglected toward the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson era and not upgraded adequately enough under David Moyes or Louis van Gaal, United have stumbled from Marouane Fellaini to Bastian Schweinsteiger in the center of midfield, but they would be there at last with Pogba. The total midfielder, Pogba would be the missing piece to United's midfield.

Pogboom: Along with Ibrahimovic, Pogba is one of the most marketable players in the world; a one-man brand. Signing him is expensive, but he is also a money spinner.

Cons

Doubts over Woodward: Whenever United's executive vice-president Ed Woodward ventures into the transfer market, there is a sense he is getting played by the selling club and/or the agent. An inordinate fee would only further that reputation.

The expense: Perhaps Pogba is overpriced; there was better value to be had this summer. United's dithering meant they missed out on 18-year-old midfield dynamo Renato Sanches, for instance, who moved to Bayern Munich for £27.5m from Benfica.

Power shift? As if super-agent Jorge Mendes' influence at United wasn't already great enough, Mino Raiola would now have three of his clients (Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan and Pogba) at the club.

REAL MADRID

Pros

The Duodecima: Winning a 12th European Cup surely wouldn't be beyond a team with a midfield of Pogba, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Nor would reclaiming the La Liga title for the first time in five years.

Hit back at Barcelona: Andre Gomes who? After Barca hijacked Real's move for the Euro 2016 winner, the impact of signing Pogba would more than make amends -- it would eclipse anything their rivals have done. Real fans are overdue a galactico signing after a quiet window by their standards last summer.

Relationship with Zinedine Zidane: Zidane became the seventh man to win the Champions League as a player and manager and is a big admirer of Pogba's. While Mourinho pushes all the right buttons to get players to reach another level, you wonder if the Juventus midfielder might respond better to Zidane, under whom, one presumes, he would get more freedom of expression.

Cons

Midfield not key: "I'm happy with the squad I've got. It's difficult to improve," Zidane said recently. Reinforcing the midfield isn't a big priority, not with James Rodriguez, Isco, Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic around (for now) as well.

No balance: As we saw with France at Euro 2016, Pogba is wasted in front of the defence. His best position, left of centre, is where Toni Kroos operates, and Zidane would be reluctant to move the German.

The lesson of James: Buying a player before thinking about where he fits in is a Real trademark, but maybe the £63m the club spent on the underperforming James is enough to make them think twice.

JUVENTUS

Pros

Team building to win UCL: Massimiliano Allegri has told Pogba to think very carefully before leaving the Old Lady, because he believes Juventus are now one of the top four teams in Europe. Two years after reaching the Champions League final, they now think they have the ability to win it, and keeping Pogba would give them an even better chance of bringing the trophy back to Turin for the first time since 1996.

Sending a message: Juventus are not a selling club. Bayern, Barcelona and Real don't accept offers for their best players; why should Juventus? Retaining Pogba and bringing in the money spent on Gonzalo Higuain through the sales of fringe players like Roberto Pereyra, Simone Zaza, Hernanes and Stefano Sturaro, though difficult, would send a strong message to the continent that Juventus are not a breeding ground for bigger clubs.

The complete midfielder: Not everyone was sure about Pogba getting the No. 10 shirt at Juventus. He is not a classic No. 10, but by the end of last season he showed himself worthy of it; 11 of his 12 assists on the season came in 2016. A complete midfielder, why would you let him go if he is willing to stay? A midfield of Pogba, Miralem Pjanic and one of Sami Khedira or Claudio Marchisio [when fit again] is one of the best around.

Cons

Missing the deal of the century: Sometimes the head has to overrule the heart; sometimes an offer is just too good to turn down. All the stars have aligned to make this the deal of the century for Juventus, and a return of more than £100m on an initial investment of £800k represents a great piece of business. No one thinking rationally would begrudge Juventus for taking it.

Socrates · July 27, 2016

Zidane refuses to rule out Real Madrid move for Pogba

The Frenchman remained coy on links to the Juventus star, but did insist that “anything can happen”

amid speculation Los Blancos are pushing to land the midfielder this summer.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/07/27/25974452/-?

http://www.football-italia.net/88395/man-utd-talk-juve-pogba?

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has refused to rule out a move for Paul Pogba, insisting that “anything can happen” this summer.

The Spanish giants have been strongly linked with Pogba but have fallen behind Manchester United in the race to land him, Goal understands.

Goal reported earlier this month that United have an agreement in place to sign Pogba for €110m (£92m), which would make him the most expensive player of all time.

However, while Zidane remained coy on links to Pogba when asked about the subject in the media, he did say that the club “always want to sign the best players”.

"In this moment we are still working [in pre-season], and I cannot say anything more," the Madrid coach said.

"Until August 31 anything can happen, but today he is not a Real Madrid player and I cannot talk about what will happen.

"I always say how things are, but now is not the time to talk about this. A lot of clubs are interested in Pogba.

"Real Madrid always want the best players. But we owe Juventus respect, and I can't say anything more out of respect."

Madrid are in the United States ahead of their International Champions Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain in Columbus.

And Zidane also confirmed James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric will not play, having only just joined up with the squad.

Socrates · July 27, 2016

Man Utd talk to Juve for Pogba

http://www.thehardtackle.com/multi-media/2016/07/27/video-manchester-united-

Manchester United talked to Juventus in a video conference as speculation over Paul Pogba's future rages on.

Only one day after the Bianconeri established a record for the most expensive transfer between two Italian clubs, signing Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain for €90m, they are being touted to recoup the entirety of the money and more.

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere dello Sport both claim in today's headlinesthat the Frenchman's departure to the Red Devils is a matter of hours, and their report is bouncing within English media.

However, Gianluca Di Marzio reported yesterday that a deal had yet to be found, and La Gazzetta's own account of the meeting between Juve's director general Beppe Marotta and the player's agent Mino Raiola is not as conclusive as their headline.

Marotta and Raiola were allegedly joined in a video conference by Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as they discussed the possibility of a move.

It's unknown how far they went towards reaching an agreement, though most media outlets believe there are still some details to be ironed out.

These are all economic in nature, as United reportedly offered €110m, which comes short of the request for €120m.

Socrates · July 27, 2016

MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET PAUL POGBA

FEATURES IN CRYPTIC ADIDAS VIDEO

Adidas, who sponsor Paul Pogba, Manchester United and Juventus, have

uploaded a cryptic video featuring the Frenchman on their Twitter account.

target-paul-pogba-features-in-cryptic-adidas-video/?

http://www.football-italia.net/88422/zidane-‘everyone-wants-pogba…’?

Pogba has been the most talked about footballer on the backpages of the daily newspapers around Europe in recent weeks. Manchester United and Juventus are reportedly embroiled in intense negotiations to make him the world’s most expensive transfer ever.

However, the player’s agent Mino Raiola has remained silent on a possible move for his client.

Follow

Mino Raiola

✔@MinoRaiola

There is no deal done regarding Paul Pogba, lots of bla bla bla.

1:24 PM - 21 Jul 2016

13,018 Retweets

6,418 likes

The 23-year-old Frenchman has taken it a step further. Pogba features in a short video uploaded by the Adidas twitter feed where he urges fans not to believe what they read in the newspapers.

This adds further mystery to the most intriguing transfer saga of the summer, which is now threatening to drag on until the end of the transfer window.

Socrates · July 27, 2016

Zidane: ‘Everyone wants Pogba…’

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2918887/real-madrid-make-contact-with-juventus-over-paul-pogba-sources

Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane admits interest in Paul Pogba but “he’s a Juventus player”.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, though the deal appears to have stalled over a disagreement about agent Mino Raiola’s commission.

It has been suggested that Los Merengues are also in the hunt for the French international, and their Coach did nothing to play down that speculation in a Press conference this morning.

“Is there a chance? I don’t know, we’re here working,” Zidane shrugged.

“Anything can happen until August 31. He’s not a Madrid player yet. We can’t talk about what might happen. I always say the same to this question.

“Everyone is interested in Pogba. He’s a great player and when you’re Madrid you always want the best. But you have to respect some things.

“He’s a Juve player and today I can’t say anything.

“It’s hard for Madrid to improve their squad, we’ve always had the best. We’ve won with this squad. There are good players, and things can always be improved, and always will be at this club.

“There are always players who can improve the team.”

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Real Madrid make contact with Juventus over Paul Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/88441/sky-pogba-united-close

Real Madrid have made initial contact with Juventus over Paul Pogba, sources have told ESPN FC, further complicating the player's anticipated move to Manchester United.

While all those close to negotiations have told ESPN FC that the Old Trafford club remain favourites to sign the 23-year-old French star, they are getting increasingly frustrated with the impasse, ahead of what is described as a make-or-break week for the deal.

Some among the United hierarchy even suspect Pogba may be "stalling them" to see if Real Madrid come in with an official bid.

Juventus are still refusing to budge on their asking price for the player, meaning United will have to get tougher in negotiations, or pay an astonishingly high world-record fee.

Sources say both the club and Jose Mourinho believe they have done all they can, however, and have even considered setting a deadline for the deal to be done or else walking away.

There has long been a suspicion Pogba is still holding out for his first choice and Real finally acted on that in the last 48 hours by making contact with Juventus.

Manager Zinedine Zidane admires the player more than president Florentino Perez does, though, and all those close to the deal still feel it is unlikely that the Spanish club would be willing to pay anything as high as United.

Real have also lined up Newcastle United's Moussa Sissoko for €35 million in the event that they don't sign Pogba.

For their part, United have also been monitoring Blaise Matuidi of Paris Saint-Germain, but the fact are financially stronger than Real at the moment means the likeliest outcome remains Pogba going to Old Trafford.

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Sky: Pogba to United close

It is reported that Juventus and Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal for Paul Pogba to join the English club.

Italian media outlet Sky Sport say that the Red Devils will pay the Old Lady a world record fee of €110m plus add-ons, with a formal agreement set to be struck within the next 48 hours.

It had been speculated that the deal was being held up by the fact neither club wanted to pay a reported €20m to super-agent Mino Raiola for his role in brokering the transfer.

However, the report claims that this issue has now been resolved, with United set to pay the fee in full.

As such, it appears the 23-year-old is set to rejoin United after four years and four Serie A titles in Turin, with Juve instantly recouping the €90m they spent on Gonzalo Higuain, plus more besides.

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Pogba drops Manchester United transfer hint on Instagram

The Juventus midfielder has excited fans by posted another update on social media

with the image highlighting the red, black and white colours.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/07/27/25999852/-?

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2919186/paul-pogbas-ex-boss-manchester-united-return-would-be-beautiful

Paul Pogba has fuelled speculation surrounding his transfer to Manchester United with another update on Instagram.

The midfielder is currently on holiday in the United States following France’s Euro 2016 campaign as rumours surrounding his Old Trafford move continue to circulate.

Pogba had already posted a cryptic update on Instagram with his agent Mino Raiola, and in his latest picture the Juventus star told fans he’s on route 66 but filtered the image to show only red, black and white.

Is this another signal that his world-record move to Jose Mourinho’s side will happen this summer?

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Paul Pogba's ex-boss: Manchester United return would be beautiful

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2919450/man-united-agree-

Paul Pogba's first coach believes the Juventus midfielder would be making a wise choice by returning to Manchester United this summer.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Real Madrid have made contact with Juve over Pogba, 23, but that United remain favourites to land the France international, and both Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that an agreement could be reached by the end of the week.

Pogba, who left United for Juve on a free transfer in 2012, began his career with French side Le Havre under the guidance of Mohamed Chacha, and the coach says a move to Old Trafford would be a good option.

"Returning to United will be a beautiful thing for Paul," Chacha told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "When he was there he didn't have the opportunity to break through to the first team. Now, with his return he can show his talents."

Asked about the fee, which could be in the region of €120 million, he said: "I don't like to talk about money, but if the Red Devils are willing to pay so much it's only because Paul is a great talent and a golden boy who works so hard to win everything."

Chacha, who worked with Pogba between 2007 and 2009, does not believe the midfielder has reached his peak.

"What dazzled me was his calmness on the pitch and his exceptional technique," he said. "He took many risks with the ball and looked to create a new move every day.

"For someone as lanky as he was, it was an amazing thing. Paul didn't have highly developed physical attributes yet, however, he had mass and strength in his legs. Afterwards, at United he grew so much in an athletic aspect."

He added: "He's only 23 years old and has room to grow. To train with great players and with a great coach will always make you better. We have yet to see his peak."

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Man United agree to €120m fee to sign

Paul Pogba from Juventus - sources

120-million-euro-fee-to-sign-paul-pogba-from-juve-sources

Manchester United have agreed to pay Juventus' €120 million (£101.3m) asking price for Paul Pogba, sources have told ESPN FC, and are now hoping to come to an agreement over the final fees in order to clinch the deal by this weekend.

If that is the case, Pogba could have a medical in Miami by Friday evening, with the Premier League club now so optimistic a deal will be concluded that they have already made the necessary provisions.

The last detail that needs to be resolved is over the €25m fee for his agent Mino Raiola, with Juventus having previously insisted that United must pay the sum in total.

However, the Old Trafford hierarchy are hoping to bring that down by at least €10m and sources have told ESPN FC that negotiations are now going more smoothly.

That was not the case earlier in the week when United were frustrated at the impasse, and sources revealed that manager Jose Mourinho was even considering setting a deadline on the deal for next week. One source close to United had said that the next 48 hours would be make or break for the transfer.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is a huge admirer of the France international and wants to bring him in this summer, but president Florentino Perez is not as determined to secure his signature.

Real did make contact with Juventus this week over Pogba, but sources told ESPN FC that Perez was not going to pay as much as United for the midfielder.

The possibility of a bid from the Champions League winners did cause a stir at Old Trafford, however, and forced a decision on Juventus' asking price. They have now agreed to meet the €120m fee, with only a few steps remaining for the transfer to be concluded.

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Man Utd set to sign Pogba as Real Madrid quit race

The Juventus midfielder will return to Old Trafford in a world-record, €110 million deal after

the European champions decided against making their own move to acquire him.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/07/28/26032122/-?

http://www.football-italia.net/88453/will-pogba-pick-fools-gold-or-logic

Manchester United are set to seal the signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus for €110 million after Real Madrid dropped out of the race for the Frenchman.

Goal understands that United have always been in pole position to sign Pogba despite Madrid's admiration of him and Juventus hope to have the deal concluded before the end of the week.

Zinedine Zidane is a fan of his compatriot but Madrid are unwilling to match the world-record fee United will pay as well as meeting Pogba's salary demands.

The 23-year-old will earn upwards of €12 million a year at Old Trafford - a figure which would have put him above every Madrid player apart from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pogba left United for Juventus in July 2012 at the end of his contract due to a lack of first-team football under then-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

He has gone on to establish himself as one of the most highly-rated midfielders in world football, winning four Serie A titles in four seasons in Turin.

Socrates · July 28, 2016

Will Pogba pick fool's gold or logic?

Paul Pogba’s future has been the subject of debate all year long, but in the end

Juventus will always be a winner, writes Vincent Van Genechten.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/7/29/12317782/paul-pogba-

Will he stay or will he go? That’s been the question for months regarding Paul Pogba. One thing’s for sure: whatever the outcome will be, the football world will show signs of relief. This transfer saga has been going on for so long, with so many chapters written, that it has turned into a source of frustration for everyone involved and everyone interested.

“Paul Pogba will join Manchester United in the next 48 hours.” That’s the story of this week. But it was a story before, so a bunch of fans have just given up and are waiting for Ed Woodward, Beppe Marotta, Mino Raiola or Pogba himself to announce ‘The Decision’. Pogba wearing a LeBron James jersey on vacation in the Unites States did have a meaning…

Of course, there’s always some news outlet that will exaggerate a random Instagram post by the France international, who has also added fuel to the rumours by remaining very silent on the matter and sometimes posting mysterious stuff on his social media accounts.

The fact is: no one knows what Pogba wants except for Pogba. However, whatever his choice will be, the Old Lady will benefit from it. If he leaves, Juve will have a record amount to spend on a couple of quality replacements. If he stays, Juve will be able to pair Pogba with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic, alongside Paulo Dybala.

When talking purely about football, it would be pretty foolish for the 23-year-old to leave the club that has put so much faith in him. The Bianconeri even handed him the iconic number 10 last summer, making him the face of the franchise. A decade after being relegated to Serie B, Juventus are back at the top of the football world and ready to launch an assault on the Champions League, the one trophy that has escaped them since 1996.

Juve’s ambition has been so outspoken that it seemingly has become their second nature. Coach Max Allegri can’t stop mentioning it, while every new signing talked about being in Turin to win the cup with the big ears, from Higuain to Pjanic and even Marko Pjaca. This ambition strokes with Pogba’s, who also has a big desire to win the Ballon d’Or, a feat he could accomplish at Juve next season.

However, it’s hard to ignore cold, hard cash. Even with Pogba having zero financial troubles, getting paid three times as much as you are at the moment is tempting. In addition, the midfielder has some scores to settle at Old Trafford, as the club let him leave for free four years ago. It is true that it remains his first home…

Still, United don’t play Champions League football next season, meaning Pogba would join a team that’s starting a new cycle. On a club level, he’ll be back to 2012, when Juve were just getting started. Again, football-wise it would make zero sense for the Frenchman to leave.

And then, there’s the pressure. Pogba will be the most expensive footballer on the planet. Every move he makes will be analysed and every mistake will be noticed, especially in England. Like with Gareth Bale, whatever Pogba does, it will never be enough. Ever. That’s the cruelty of the whole story.

At Juventus, he is the man, while playing in a system and position that suits him perfectly. At United, everything remains to be seen. Pogba is a gamer, meaning he would accept the challenge, but does he really want all the trouble that comes with it?

Here’s how Juventus should do it: talk Pogba into staying for two more seasons. In 2018, Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli will retire, hopefully with a Champions League under their belts, while Pogba has won it all. If he wants to leave then, do everything in your power to sell him for the best offer available. Because, does anyone really believe that in two years, the big offers won’t come for Pogboom?

All things considered, it’s logical for Paul Pogba to remain at Juventus for just a little while. But in football, logic often isn’t the guideline.

Socrates · July 29, 2016

Reports: Manchester United close signing Juventus

midfielder Paul Pogba for €110 million

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