Paul Pogba’s Manchester United future dominates the newspapers and football websites this morning amid speculation of a potential transfer to Spanish champions Barcelona.
The 25-year-old midfielder had an indifferent season at Old Trafford last term, with reports of a falling out with boss Jose Mourinho. But he was in superb form for France as they won the World Cup.
Pogba’s performances in Russia have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain all linked with a move. However, with just a day before the close of the Premier League transfer window, Barcelona look the most likely to sign him if he does leave Old Trafford.
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The Daily Mail reported that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, is plotting the “sensational” move by touting his client to the Spanish giants.
Here is a summary of today’s news about Pogba’s United future and potential move to Catalonia.
United reject Barca offer
Yesterday it was reported by Sky Sports that United had rejected a players plus cash offer for Pogba from Barca. The Catalans were reportedly prepared to hand over £45m plus defender Yerry Mina and midfielder Andre Gomes.
Pogba not for sale
According to The Daily Telegraph, United have told Barcelona they have no interest in selling Pogba. After re-signing the midfielder from Juventus for £89m in 2016, the Red Devils refuse to sell a player who they have invested in “to bring them success on the pitch, and commercially, over the forthcoming years”.
Raiola angers United chiefs
United’s board and management team are furious with Pogba’s agent for trying to “engineer a move” to Barcelona for the France World Cup winner, the Daily Star reports. This is believed to be the second time this year that Raiola has “offered” Pogba to a rival club. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claimed in January that he was offered Pogba by Raiola.
Issue an ultimatum
Transfer expert Ian McGarry told the Daily Star that United boss Mourinho should give Pogba an ultimatum before the first game of the season, against Leicester on Friday evening.
McGarry said: “He [Mourinho] needs to pull Paul Pogba into his office ahead of this weekend’s fixtures and say, ‘Forget everything’. Perhaps he needs to say, ‘Congratulations on winning your World Cup medal, but forget about that because now it’s about Manchester United. And you have to give me your 100% commitment because you are a major player for us going ahead. And if you don’t play to your potential and your agent continues to agitate then that may change.’”
According to reports in Spain, Mourinho has in fact informed Pogba that he will not allow him to leave for Barcelona.
‘Desperate to leave’
The Daily Mail is saying Pogba has told his United teammates that he is desperate to leave Old Trafford for Barcelona. It’s understood that the Frenchman sent a text to United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward about “his desire to go”. The club have denied the claim.
The newspaper adds that Pogba has agreed terms with Barcelona. The deal is reported to be worth £89.5m over five years and the basic salary of £18m is equivalent to £346,000 a week.
Wage demands
Meanwhile, The Sun says that if he has to stay at Manchester United then Pogba will want a £200,000-a-week pay rise. The increase, from £180,000 to £380,000 a week, would “put him closer to United’s top earner Alexis Sanchez”, says the paper.
However, Sky Sports reports that Pogba has not made any wage demands to keep him at Old Trafford.
Pogba transfer betting odds
The latest prices on Pogba’s next club, according to Sky Bet (as of 8 August):
- Barcelona: 7/2
- Juventus: 16/1
- PSG: 25/1
- Bayern Munich: 33/1
- Real Madrid: 33/1
- To stay at Manchester United: 1/4
- To leave Manchester United: 11/4
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