Manchester City are reportedly interested in securing the services of Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba on a Bosman move in the summer.
According to Fichajes, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are reportedly among a host of European bigwigs vying for the signing of Manchester United’s midfield star Paul Pogba.
Pogba’s future at Old Trafford is still hanging in the balance. The midfielder’s contract expires in the summer and he has not given any indication of staying put at United beyond this season. Having entered the final five months of his deal, the Frenchman is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club should he look to make an early decision.
However, he has not yet decided about his future and is apparently in no rush to pick his next destination. Recent reports suggest the 28-year-old will wait until the end of the season before weighing up all available options on the table. He could also consider Premier League offers, including one from United’s fierce rivals and current league-leaders Manchester City.
Pogba rejoined Manchester United in 2016 for a record £89 million from Juventus. However, five-and-a-half years down the line since his glorious return, he has only won two major club honours – the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, both coming in his debut season.
To date, he has made 223 competitive appearances for the Red Devils, notching up a tally of 39 goals and 50 assists in the process. But he has largely flattered to deceive during his time at Old Trafford, failing to show the consistency to push Manchester United to the next level. His injury struggles, and the instability and incompetence at United’s boardroom level has not helped the cause either.
The French superstar made a bright start to this season, showing glimpses of his quality, but missed a chunk of games due to injury. He has produced a return of one goal and eight assists in nine Premier League starts this term.
Real Madrid have expressed strong interest in Pogba, whilst PSG and Juventus are also in the fray. Arsenal and Chelsea have emerged as two options in terms of English suitors. With super-agent Mino Raiola pulling the strings in the background for Pogba, a move to the Blue side of Manchester has not been ruled out either.
Should Pogba not extend his current United contract, he will be one of Europe’s hottest free agents, with Manchester City among the very few elite clubs capable of meeting his exorbitant wage demands.
Pep Guardiola has long admired Pogba’s talents, and although it would be an intriguing prospect to see the French international work under the Catalan coach, it appears very unlikely to happen because Guardiola’s system requires a central midfielder to do a lot of pressing and off-the-ball movement to create patterns all over the pitch, which is certainly not one of Pogba’s strengths.
The 28-year-old would also damage his relationship with the United supporters if he decides to cross the Manchester divide. With the race heating up for Pogba’s signature, it will be interesting to see where the dynamic midfielder will be plying his trade next season.
