Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8296]

 

Real Madrid President Eager
To Challenge Barcelona For Pogba

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/real-madrid-president-eager-to-challenge-barcelona-for-juventus-star/?

 
Jun 25, 2015

After Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta promised Juventus’ Paul Pogba to the Blaugrana should he win the election, Real Madrid have not given up in the fight for the French midfield dynamo.

The prior interest from English clubs seems to have died down after they were priced out of a deal and it is now the turn the two La Liga giants to wax lyrical about signing the Bianconeri star, with President Florentino Perez plotting a move to bring Pogba to the Spanish capital.

Sport.es report that Perez is willing to give up the €31 million buy-back clause on Juve striker Alvaro Morata as part of an €80m bid for the former Manchester United man.

Furthermore, Perez has already discussed personal terms with the Frenchman’s agent Mino Raiola, who has outlined a contract worth €12m annually after tax which would make Pogba one of the highest paid players in football as Los Blancos would have to pay around double that figure due to Spanish tax rates.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Chelsea Ready Cash-Plus-Players
Bid To Prize Away Pogba

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/chelsea-ready-cash-plus-players-bid-to-prize-away-juventus-star/?

 
Jun 25, 2015

Chelsea would be looking to steal the march on all other competitors for Juventus’ Paul Pogba, reportedly readying a cash-plus-players bid to lure the Frenchman out of Turin.

With the candidate for the Barcelona presidency making Pogba’s capture an electoral promise and Real Madrid also eager to join the race over the highly rated midfielder, it would seem Chelsea may present the most interesting proposal to the Bianconeri.

Chelsea would be willing to enter negotiations with a structured deal to seal Pogba’s signature, according to the Daily Mail. The English media reported that Juventus target Oscar would be made part of the deal, with an added €42 million accompanying the bid.

Alternatively, Chelsea would also be willing to throw in Ramires into the deal, with Juventus having expressed a desire to swoop for the Brazilian duo in the past.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Man City take lead in Pogba race

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2504556/manchester-city-take-lead-in-chase-for-juventus-paul-pogba?

 
Jun 25, 2015

There has been a fair bit of talk from Manchester City about how they needed to improve after last season, and bringing in Paul Pogba from Juventus wouldn't exactly be a bad start to that process.

A report in the Sun says City are "close to winning the £60 million battle" for the France international, once of Manchester United, and claims boss Manuel Pellegrini feels he has seen off competition from United, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

It adds that City are hopeful a deal for the 22-year-old star can be tied up before they make another attempt to pry Raheem Sterling from Liverpool.

Bear this in mind, though: Only a few days ago, Juventus managing director Giuseppe Marotta said Pogba had told the club he would not be leaving in the summer.

But in surely not unrelated news, the London Evening Standard notes that Chelsea have opened talks with their Brazil international midfielder Ramires.

Those talks? Well, they're about a new contract -- and the Standard says they're designed to ward off anticipated interest from ... Juventus, as they prepare for Pogba's departure.

[Socrates 8296]

 

'We must target Juve's Pogba'

http://www.football-italia.net/68305/we-must-target-juves-pogba?

 
Jun 26, 2015

Joan Laporta claims Barcelona can't shy away from the race for Juventus' Paul Pogba: 'We must target the player'.

The Spanish politician is looking to take the reins of the Blaugrana as President again, after holding the role from 2003 to 2010.

His bid to bring Pogba to Barcelona appears to be one of his most emphatic points.

“I have a good relationship with [Pogba's agent Mino] Raiola,” he told Spanish radio Onda Cero.

“If there is a possibility we must try to bring Pogba to Barcelona, because he has some fantastic qualities.

“[Former footballer and assistant Eric] Abidal has already been in talks with some of the players we are following, I'm not sure if he's spoken with Pogba yet.

“In any case we must target the player, and we're working on it.

“If he had to choose between us and [Manchester] City, I'm sure he'd come to Barca.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Barcelona’s Braida To Accelerate Negotiations For Juventus Ace

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/barcelonas-braida-to-accelerate-negotiations-for-juventus-ace/?

 
Jun 26, 2015

New Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida is due to travel to Italy in order to meet Juventus over Paul Pogba.

Braida had already expressed his wishes to see Pogba wear the Blaugrana shirt in the past, as well as candidate for the Barcelona presidency Joan Laporte made the Frenchman’s capture an electoral promise.

With Real Madrid also on the prowl however, Braida has decided to journey to Turin in person.

Braida is due to arrive in Italy on Wednesday to accelerate negotiations for Pogba, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish media reported that the negotiations in question will see Braida propose a deal that will see the 22-year-old midfielder join Barcelona in 2016, with the Catalan giants currently banned from registering any player until January.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Barca given Pogba deadline

http://www.football-italia.net/68350/barca-given-pogba-deadline?

 
Jun 27, 2015

Spanish and Italian papers claim Barcelona want to buy Paul Pogba, leaving him at Juventus until 2016, but there is an ultimatum.

Presidential candidate Joan Laporta is using Pogba as a way to get himself elected back to the top of the Blaugrana hierarchy, openly confirming his intention to buy the midfielder.

According to Tuttosport and Mundo Deportivo, the offer on the table is worth €90m plus performance-related bonuses, so close to the famous €100m price-tag.

As Barcelona are currently locked down by a transfer embargo, the move would not actually go through until June 2016, thereby leaving him in Turin for one more season.

They’d also get ahead of the competition, represented by Manchester City and Real Madrid, for the 22-year-old French talent.

Tuttosport maintain Juventus have given agent Mino Raiola a deadline to ensure the speculation does not continue throughout the summer.

Pogba must have a deal in place by mid-July or the Bianconeri will shut down any chance of his departure.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Juventus want to sell Pogba, claims Laporta

The Barcelona presidential hopeful believes the Serie A champions will sell the midfielder,
but wants the club to wait until after the election process before making a move.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/06/28/13126972/-?

 
Jun 28, 2015

Juventus have indicated that they want to sell Paul Pogba this summer, according to Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta.

The France international, 22, has been one of the biggest talking points of the transfer market with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain all heavily linked with signing him.

Barca are also among the clubs leading the chase but Laporta is concerned with reports that members of the interim board will be travelling to Turin on Wednesday to negotiate with Juve prior to the July 18 election.

The ex-president - who is bidding to oust Josep Maria Bartomeu as the Catalans' chief - said earlier this week he was confident of signing Pogba if elected due to his close links with agent Mino Raiola, but believes the club should be waiting until after the vote before making any formal approach.

"I have a bad feeling about what the interim management board are up to," Laporta said at a charity event in Barcelona in reference to the recent Pogba reports. "It is an improper way for an outgoing board to act.

"I hope they do not continue along this path. They have already sold Gerard Deulofeu [to Everton for €6 million] and now they want to sign players who are worth large amounts.

"It is abnormal that a management board not elected by the members do these things. It may upset members.

"All I have said is that I have very good relationship with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. I don't think that Juventus will do anything until there is a new Barca president.

"Juventus have given an indication they want to sell, but I don't think it will be until after June 19."

[Socrates 8296]

 

Manchester City Table Club Record Bid For Pogba

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/manchester-city-table-club-record-bid-for-juventus-star/?

 
Jun 28, 2015

Manchester City have reportedly tabled an offer of around €71 million to attempt to land Juventus star Paul Pogba.

The Citizens are looking to mount a title bid for the upcoming 2015/16 Premier League and Manuel Pellegrini wants to add the Frenchman to his ranks.

According to reports coming from The Daily Mirror, The English side are now waiting for the Bianconeri to contact them in regards to the club record €71m offer and then look into negotiating a deal with the 22-year-old.

Juventus have made it clear that they want Pogba to stay in Turin and that he is going nowhere, but an offer both player and club can’t refuse could be made and would see the midfielder move abroad.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG are three other named clubs who are interested in making Pogba their summer marquee signing but reports also suggest City have spoken to Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, agreeing a deal worth €200,000 a week.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Barca and Juve meet for Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/68431/barca-and-juve-meet-pogba?

 
Jun 28, 2015

Juventus and Barcelona held a dinner meeting on Sunday for Paul Pogba, as they are clear favourites ahead of Manchester City.

Several sources, including La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, claim Juve director Beppe Marotta had dinner with Blaugrana transfer guru Ariedo Braida in Milan on Sunday evening.

The subject up for discussion was the future of Pogba, who has been named as a target by Barca Presidential candidate Joan Laporta.

La giornalaccio rosa notes it is irrelevant who wins the election, as both Laporta and Josep Maria Bartomeu made it clear they want the Frenchman.

Barcelona are clear favourites to land Pogba, as they are locked down by a transfer embargo until June 2016.

This paradoxically helps their cause, as they’d leave the 22-year-old at Juventus for another year to help his maturation process.

Italian reports claim Manchester City are offering considerably more money, both in terms of the transfer fee and wages, but Pogba much prefers Barcelona as a destination.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Laporta: ‘No Pogba talks’

http://www.football-italia.net/68447/laporta-%E2%80%98no-pogba-talks%E2%80%99?

 
Jun 29, 2015

Barcelona Presidential candidate Joan Laporta reiterates that Paul Pogba would be ‘perfect’, but hasn’t spoken to Juventus.

It has been suggested that the Blaugrana will meet with officials from the Old Lady in Italy this week, but Laporta reaffirms his belief that a deal will not be done before the election.

“It would be good news to get Pogba before the elections,” the prospective patron said in a Press conference.

“However, we don’t think Juve will sign anything before the 19th [of July]. Paul is a perfect player for Barcelona.

“I haven’t talked to Juventus or Pogba, because that’s not my job.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Manchester City And Chelsea To Hijack
Juventus-Barcelona’s Pogba Deal

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/manchester-city-and-chelsea-to-hijack-juventus-barcelonas-pogba-deal/?

 
Jun 29, 2015

Barcelona would have finally highlighted the details of the deal that would take Paul Pogba out of Juventus, but with Manchester City and Chelsea eying a late swoop.

Pogba has been the subject of much interest, especially from Barcelona. The new Blaugrana sporting director Ariedo Braida had already traveled to Italy to accelerate negotiations.

Barcelona would be preparing a €90 million bid for Pogba, according to Catalan media Sport and Mundo Deportivo. The Blaugrana would pay €80 million and an additional €10 million in bonuses. Of course, the deal would see Pogba only join in 2016, with Barcelona still under a transfer ban.

The Catalan media report however that Chelsea and Manchester City would be ready to come in late to capture Pogba’s signature. The Blues in particular, would be ready to offer Oscar as part of the deal. Manchester City, on their part, would be offering a little less than €100 million and a €220,000 per week deal to the player, according to the Mirror.

[Socrates 8296]

 

'I wouldn't break the bank for Pogba,' reveals
Barcelona presidential candidate Benedito

The 51-year-old Catalan has previously claimed he could do an €80 million
deal for the Frenchman but has now hinted he is reluctant to go any higher.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/06/29/13151912/-?

 
Jun 29, 2015

Agusti Benedito says he would not break the bank to sign Juventus ace Paul Pogba were he to become Barcelona president.

The 51-year-old claimed earlier this month that he had already spoken to both the Bianconeri and the France international about a move to Camp Nou, revealing that the Old Lady want €80 million for the midfielder, who would receive €12m per annum after tax.

However, with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in Pogba, Benedito has now suggested ahead of next month's presidential elections that he would not be willing to get involved in a bidding war.

"I would not ask the Barca members to take any decision outside the ordinary operations of the club," the Catalan is quoted as saying by Marca.

"We would not break the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. We cannot do deals of €200m."

Benedito also promised greater transparency in terms of Barcelona's transfer dealings, in light of the fact that the acquisition of Neymar in 2013 led to a legal investigation into tax evasion and prompted the resignation of former Barca president Sandro Rosell so that he could concentrate on clearing his name in the courts.

"Every Brazilian operation is such a serious matter that they have to be done well," he added.

"This was bad for the club as it was not done correctly and now we are paying dramatic consequences.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba Demands Wages On Par
With Messi To Join Barcelona

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-star-demands-wages-on-par-with-messi-to-join-barcelona/?

 
Jun 29, 2015

Juventus star Paul Pogba would be asking for king’s ransom from Barcelona, before agreeing to join the Catalan giants.

Negotiations between both Juventus and Barcelona were put on hold, and that despite Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida having traveled to Turin to discuss a deal in person.

Spanish media Cadena Ser now report that Pogba would have asked for a colossal €12 million net per season in wages, a request Barcelona would be unwilling to fulfill.

With the Catalan giants only awarding such important sums of money to the likes of Lionel Messi, the negotiations with Pogba would have come to a halt.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Laporta: 'Raiola key to Pogba'

http://www.football-italia.net/68467/laporta-raiola-key-pogba?

 
Jun 29, 2015

Barcelona Presidential candidate Joan Laporta said “the key” to Paul Pogba’s transfer from Juventus is agent Mino Raiola.

The midfielder is increasingly being used as a political pawn in the run-up to the elections on June 18, as candidates declare their intended targets.

“We believe the key to Pogba’s transfer is Raiola,” Laporta told Spanish newspaper As.

“I have a good rapport with Raiola and so does Eric Abidal. Let’s not forget Abidal knows Pogba personally.

“So far I haven’t spoken to Juve or the player, because as a candidate I cannot do that. What I can say is that Pogba would perfectly suit our style of football and can add his technique and strength to the squad.

“He is a player you cannot be indifferent to and has huge potential in terms of image.”

[Socrates 8296]

 

Laporta: Barcelona will have advantage in getting Pogba

The ex-Blaugrana supremo feels his relationship with Mino Raiola and Eric Abidal's
friendship with the Juventus midfielder gives the Catalans the edge in attracting him.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/06/29/13161992/-?

 
Jun 29, 2015

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes his good rapport with Mino Raiola and Eric Abidal's friendship with Paul Pogba will be key to persuading the Juventus ace to move to Camp Nou.

Pogba is one of the most in-demand players in world football at the moment, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain all interested in the midfielder.

However, Laporta believes that Barca would have a clear advantage in the race to sign him should he beat Josep Maria Bartomeu to the presidency in next month's elections as he has previously done deals with Pogba's agent, Raiola.

Furthermore, the former Barca supremo says that ex-France international Abidal, whom he hopes to appoint as his technical secretary, is on friendly terms with his compatriot.

"We feel that the key to a potential signing of Pogba is Mino Raiola, with whom we get on with very well, both Abidal and myself," Laporta told reporters.

"We carried out negotiations with him for the deals involving Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"Abidal also knows Pogba on a personal level and if this is something that gives the supporters confidence in our project, then, we’ll talk to Juve, as he would be a positive addition.

"I haven't spoken with the player or his club as being a pre-candidate forbids me from doing so.

"But there is no doubt that he would be a great signing for the club.

"We’ve reviewed this with Abidal and he would fit in perfectly with our style and give us added quality and strength.

"He’s a player with a unique manner of playing. It would be great to secure his signature."

While Barca cannot currently register new arrivals on account of their Fifa-imposed transfer ban, they can sign players this summer and then field them from the start of 2016 onwards.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba out for defensive upgrade?

http://www.football-italia.net/68495/pogba-out-defensive-upgrade?

 
Jun 30, 2015

Juventus are reportedly considering letting Paul Pogba leave for Barcelona next summer in order to rejuvenate their defence.

The two clubs held a dinner meeting on Sunday and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport believe that the Old Lady favour a sale to Barca next summer over an immediate departure to Chelsea or Manchester City.

According to Sport, the three offers on the table are €80m plus €10m of bonuses from Barcelona for next summer, €100m from Manchester City and €50m plus Oscar from Chelsea.

giornalaccio rosa believe the Bianconeri would look to invest the money raised by the sale of Pogba on bids for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Silva and Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid.

Juve are also believed to be keen on Monaco duo Aymen Abdennour and Layvin Kurzawa, while Porto’s Alex Sandro, Udinese’s Silvan Widmer, Zenit’s Ezequiel Garay and Medhi Benatia of Bayern Munich are also reported targets.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Pogba Is Worth €90 Million
Says Barcelona Presidential Candidate

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/pogba-is-worth-e90-million-says-barcelona-presidential-candidate/?

 
Jun 30, 2015

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes €90 million is the right amount should the Catalans buy Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer with Manchester City, PSG and Real Madrid all said to be keen on the 22-year-old, though the Blaugrana are seen as favourites to land the Frenchman.

“Pogba is the player we [barcelona] want,” Laporta told Radio Cadena Cope, “ and the key is [Pogba’s agent] Mino Raiola, with whom I have a great relationship.

“He is a player we have already decided to buy, as long as Juve agree to sell him to Barca.

“It is very hard to sign him, as there are many clubs also after him as he is of the highest quality.

“Many players could come to Barcelona, but Pogba is the player we want most. But I don’t think Juve will do any business until a new [barcelona] president is elected.

“Looking at the market and seeing how much is paid for other players, I think €80-90m is the right amount for him [Pogba].”

Barcelona’s presidential election takes place on July 18.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Barcelona arrive for Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/68537/barcelona-arrive-pogba?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Barcelona and Juventus will reportedly meet again today to discuss the sale of Paul Pogba, with an €80m bid expected.

La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport has reported that Juventus director general Beppe Marotta will meet Barca directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler today, with the Spanish club expected to present a base offer of €80m.

Spanish outlet Sport believes that Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has requested a salary worth €12m per season, the same figure reportedly offered by Manchester City.

This wage would make the France international the second-highest paid player in the Catalans’ squad, only behind Lionel Messi.

Should the transfer go ahead, Pogba will remain in Turin for another season and join Barcelona for the 2016/17 season due to their current transfer embargo.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Paul Pogba's Next Club Betting: Barcelona
and Manchester City lead the market

The Juventus star could be the big move of this summer transfer window, with La Liga
or the Premier League look like his most probable destinantions according to the odds.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2015/07/01/13194142/paul-pogbas-next-club-betting-barcelona-and-manchester-city-lead-?ICID=TP_TNM_ART_3

 
Jul 1, 2015

If the Catalan sports dailies are to believed, a deal to take Paul Pogba to Camp Nou is practically sealed, with the Frenchman likely to join Barcelona next summer.

The European champions reportedly moved into pole position to claim the coveted signature a couple of months ago and they remain as favorites in Paddy Power's book on Pogba's next club, with Barcelona offered at to be his next destination.

In fact, Barcelona are joint favourites to sign Pogba with Manchester City offered at the same price to be the French international's new club. Juventus have insisted that they do not need to sell, and that the player himself is happy in Turin, but both City and Barcelona would be able to, at the very least, double his current wages.

Indeed, most of the clubs in the market for him could make Pogba considerably wealthier than he already is, although little has been heard of the richest club in the world, Real Madrid, in terms of any interest. Los Blancos are priced at just behind Chelsea who are reportedly ready to offer members of their talented squad as part of a deal to tempt Juventus into selling.

The Premier League champions are shots to sign Pogba, with French champions PSG available at . Manchester United meanwhile also have the financial clout to prepare a bid big enough to bring the midfielder back to Old Trafford after letting him leave in 2012 after making just a handful of appearances, but currently the Red Devils' interest in the transfer market seems to lie elsewhere.

Should the attempts to bring in a big name defender fail, United may turn their attentions to Pogba, and the price of may start to look tempting.

[Socrates 8296]

 

'Pogba's future? Juventus waiting until
after Barcelona presidential elections'

Presidential candidate Agusti Benedito claims that the Serie A club will not make
a decision over the France international midfielder's possible exit until after July 18.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/07/01/13205602/-?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito has suggested that Juventus will not make a decision over Paul Pogba's future until after the the Catalan club's elections.

Benedito is standing against the likes of Joan Laporta and Josep Bartomeu in a bid to become Barca's new president, with the elections due to take place on July 18.

The 51-year-old claimed earlier in June that he could strike a €80 million (£56.7m) deal for Pogba and now adds that Juventus are waiting until the outcome of the elections before deciding on the France international's future.

"We wanted to talk to Juventus and they warned me Pogba would cost €80m and he already had a €12m per season offer from PSG. We thought he was not a priority," Benedito told the press.

"Juventus will wait until the president is finally chosen."

Benedito also reiterated that he is not willing to hinge his presidential campaign on a potentially record deal for Pogba. He added: "Pogba is a €200m investment.

"This kind of move would break the elections' Fair Play. It would not be legitimate and it would be the most severe act in the club's electoral process."

[Socrates 8296]

 

Arrigo Sacchi: Barcelona would be
'almost invincible' with Paul Pogba

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2509835/arrigo-sacchi-barcelona-would-be-invincible-with-pogba?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Legendary Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi believes Barcelona will be almost invincible if Paul Pogba eventually joins the team from Juventus.

Pogba, 22, is the most sought after player in Europe but is under contract with Juve until June 2019. However there is speculation in both Spain and Italy that the French midfielder will join Barcelona after the 2015-16 season and Sacchi believes that his signing would make the Catalan side unstoppable.

"His potential is enormous," Sacchi said in an interview with Barcelona-based publication El Mundo Deportivo. "He is a player who is improving but at 22 , he is very interesting for any club. If Barca already has a fantastic team now, it would be even more so. With the attacking trio (Neymar, Leo Messi, Luis Suarez) and Pogba on the pitch, Barca would be almost invincible."

Having joined Juve on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, Pogba was an important member of a Juve side that won a Serie A and Coppa Italia double this season, as well as reaching the final of the Champions League.

"He has everything to define an era," Sacchi said. "He is like Frank Rijkaard, whom I coached at AC Milan, because of his technique, his strength, his sense of play. Like Frank, he is very powerful on the pitch. I believe that Pogba has even more of a huge offensive projection."

Pogba played in his first World Cup in Brazil last year and was named as the Best Young Player of the tournament as France made it to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual winners Germany.

Sacchi, who once coached Atletico Madrid and also served as Real Madrid's director of football, said: "In Spain he would score more goals. He is a player for any club but to play at Barca would be much simpler for Pogba for the style of football that he plays.

"I would see him playing as a midfielder on the right like Rakitic or on the left like Iniesta but not as a central midfielder. Half of Europe longs for him."

A move away from Juve would allow Pogba to scale new heights as a player, according to the 69-year-old.

"It's clear that outside of Juventus he can reach a different level," Sacchi added. "The best thing about Pogba is that he still has room to improve.

"It depends on him but he certainly has the conditions to be great. You need passion and motivation for the game but you also need talent. He has the latter but he must maintain the passion. I know what he is like and even though he is young, he is quite focused."

Juve have already warned Pogba's potential suitors that the player will not leave Turin for less than €80million.

"I'm not going to discuss that (figure)," Sacchi said. "What I will say is that he is the biggest reality of world football. The team that does take him will make a big leap in quality."

[Socrates 8296]

 

Juventus-Barça pact for Pogba?

http://www.football-italia.net/68559/juventus-bar%C3%A7a-pact-pogba?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Reports in Spain claim Juventus have agreed a pact with Barcelona not to sell Paul Pogba to another club this summer.

Officials from the Blaugrana are in Italy this week to discuss the Frenchman, with a meeting reportedly taking place today in Milan.

Spanish sources Sport and Mundo Deportivo report that the outcome of the meeting was that the Bianconeri have agreed not to sell Pogba until next summer.

The Catalan giants have a transfer ban, so could not play the 22-year-old until January if they were to sign him, which is unattractive due to the transfer fee he would command.

The deal does not mean Barcelona have agreed a deal for the French international, as they would still have to agree a fee with Juventus next summer.

However, the reported pact is in the interest of both parties, with the Old Lady keeping one of their star men for next season, and Barça ensuring he won’t go elsewhere while their transfer ban is in effect.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Juventus reject €80m Pogba offer from Barcelona

Barca directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew to Italy for a meeting with Juve
director general Giuseppe Marotta on Monday, but their opening bid has been turned down.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/01/13220672/-?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club have rejected an €80 million bid from Barcelona for Paul Pogba.

On Wednesday, Barcelona directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew to Italy for a meeting with Marotta and Bianconeri sporting director Fabio Paratici before making their opening offer.

"Barcelona offered us €80m for Pogba but we don't want to sell him," Marotta told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

Pogba has emerged as Barcelona’s primary transfer target this summer, despite the club being banned from signing new players until January 2016.

With the Camp Nou presidential elections taking place in just over two weeks, all the candidates – including current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu and former chief Joan Laporta – want to buy Pogba now and register him for the start of the 2016-17 season.

Having already sold Carlos Tevez to Boca Juniors and with Andrea Pirlo set to depart to New York City FC, Juventus are unwilling to lose another key player - although they could be more open to selling next summer should Barcelona increase their offer to €100m.

Pogba joined Juventus in 2012 on a Bosman transfer from Manchester United and has developed into one of the world's most sought-after players.

[Socrates 8296]

 

Abidal talks up Pogba to Barcelona:
I've spoken to him for years

The former France international says he hopes to see his compatriot
move to Camp Nou but is not convinced Arda Turan would fit the team.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/01/13227922/-?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Eric Abidal has revealed he has often spoken to Paul Pogba in the past and would love to see him join Barcelona from Juventus.

A delegation from the European champions arrived in Italy on Wednesday to formalise the club's interest in signing the France international this summer.

Former Barca defender Abidal, who is poised to become sporting director should Joan Laporta win the presidential elections, admits he hopes to see Pogba plump for a move to the Liga champions despite their ban on registering new players.

"It'd be great to have Pogba," he told reporters, speaking at the presentation of Laporta's proposed plans for the Barca academy. "I've a long-standing relationship with him, I send him messages, we work on projects and ideas.

"If Joan wins, we'd make the move. I don't know if it's a problem that he can't play until 2016, but I hope he comes.

"The messages are not just about football, but to know how he is. All players want to win and Barca have just won the treble."

[Socrates 8296]

 

What does the summer hold for Paul Pogba?

SPECIAL REPORT: Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG are among a host
of clubs after the Juventus man - but what does his future hold?

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4659/editorials/2015/07/03/13259742/-?

 
Jul 3, 2015

By Carlo Garganese

Not since Neymar left Santos has a superstar footballer been desired by as many top clubs as Paul Pogba is right now. Back in 2013, the Brazilian ended up signing for Barcelona in a hugely controversial deal, despite the interest of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea among others.

Fast forward two years and Juventus’ crown jewel is now at the centre of a tug of war involving the same superpowers – and there could be a similar outcome.

The European champions have identified Pogba as their primary target this summer – with coach Luis Enrique informing the club hierarchy that he desires a powerful box-to-box midfielder. Despite being banned from registering anyone until 2016, Barcelona are still able to sign players now and play them next year.

On Wednesday, Barcelona directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew out to Italy and tabled an official €80 million bid for Pogba. The offer was swiftly rejected by Juventus.

"Barca offered us €80m for Pogba but we don't want to sell him," Juve director general Giuseppe Marotta confirmed to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

The Camp Nou presidential elections take place on July 18 and none of the candidates – particularly current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu and former chief Joan Laporta – will stand in the way of the Frenchman's signing if they win power. Both Bartomeu and Laporta – the two front-runners in the election race – have publicly confirmed they want Pogba at the club.

Pogba’s preferred next destination is Barcelona, and he admitted before the Champions League final that he has a desire to play with Lionel Messi.

"Playing with Messi would be a dream come true," he told AS. "He's the best player in the world. I love watching Barcelona play.”

But Juventus’ position on Pogba is very clear. This summer they will lose two key players as Carlos Tevez has returned to Boca Juniors while Andrea Pirlo has agreed to join New York City FC. They are unwilling to lose Pogba as well ahead of next season.

The Bianconeri have no financial requirement to sell, having made more money than any other club from last season’s Champions League. However, should they receive an outrageous offer then they will be open to the possibility of selling Pogba in 2016. Goal understands that having rejected Barca's opening bid of €80m, they would be willing to listen should that offer be increased to €100m.

One potential sticking point for an eventual move to Camp Nou would be Pogba's salary. He is demanding €12m a year, a figure that could unsettle some members of the squad as he would earn more than Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez. Thus, the club would likely have to offer pay rises to these players.

Manchester City are prepared to go even higher in the auction and are readying a world record transfer bid in excess of the €100m Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale. They also would pay Pogba a mammoth €346,000 a week.

The Eastlands outfit need to rejuvenate a somewhat ageing squad and are set to embark on a spending spree this summer having been dethroned as Premier League champions by Chelsea.

At just 22, Pogba attracts City for the same reasons he attracts all his suitors. He offers 10 years of world-class football and is quite simply the most complete midfielder in the game - ticking every box physically, mentally and technically. He guarantees a big spike in commercial revenue through shirt sales and is a safe investment given his age and talent.

Paris Saint-Germain are the third club who are happy to break the bank for Pogba. The Ligue 1 champions lodged an informal €80m bid back in April and have offered the midfielder €12m a year in wages.

Pogba recently met PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in Monaco, although Juventus insist it was just a casual encounter. Al-Khelaifi is desperate to bring Champions League glory to the Parc des Princes, having failed to make a mark on the competition despite the club’s domestic dominance. He also recognises what an asset Pogba will be for the club’s image – France’s biggest star leading France’s best club.

However, Pogba is understood to be against returning to his homeland as he feels that Ligue 1 is not of a high enough quality to satisfy his demands for top-level football.

The interest of long-term admirers Real Madrid has cooled a touch recently. Until a few months ago, the Blancos were regarded as the favourites for the Frenchman – with club legend and Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane regularly praising his countryman in the press.

Madrid are in the market for a combative central midfielder this summer and Pogba would fit the bill, but the club has a troubled relationship with Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, which makes any deal difficult.

“Real Madrid are a club that is used to buying players like you buy a facecloth - and then throws them away like a facecloth,” Raiola remarked in March, comments that didn’t go down well in the Spanish capital.

Elsewhere, Chelsea and Manchester United continue to monitor developments. The Blues maintain an interest in Pogba but seem to have prioritised the signing of a striker in Radamel Falcao, while they have recently been heavily linked to Arda Turan, though that's not to say they couldn't bring all three in given their transfer strategy of recent seasons.

Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would undoubtedly be interested in signing a player as high profile as Pogba but he's unlikely to want to return to Old Trafford given the circumstances surrounding his exit.

All in all, Barcelona remain in the box seat for Pogba despite their rejected offer this week. The Blaugrana are greatly admired by the Frenchman, while the club’s transfer ban has indirectly helped them as Juventus are against selling the player until 2016.