'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It is a well-known fact that Paul Pogba's situation at Manchester United was bad during Jose Mourinho's regime. While his on-field performances were highly inconsistent, his off-field antics did not help him either.
Hence, there was strong speculation that the FIFA 2018 World Cup winner would leave the Old Trafford club. The club strongly rumored to be Pogba's destination was FC Barcelona.
However, the Frenchman decided he would remain at Manchester United this season. Since then, he has had a good run of games under new caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which has seen the team function around him.
Although a transfer is unlikely at this juncture, Manchester United fans would be worried that Paul Pogba has many options across Europe to take his career to the next level, and the most probable option right now is FC Barcelona.
Barcelona is in a sort of midfield crisis right now, as Spanish legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta have left the club. Last season's surprise, Paulinho, now plays in China, which has left the club with a problem in the midfield.
Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic have entered into their 30s, and Arturo Vidal was not signed as a long-term option. Denis Suarez is close to leaving the club, and Rafinha would find it difficult to fill the boots of Xavi or Iniesta. Hence, signing Paul Pogba was a priority for them in the previous transfer window.
Having failed to land their top-target, Barcelona have now moved on to another youngster.
Adrien Rabiot has been on the verge of leaving Paris Saint-Germain for some time now, and this transfer window could well see the end of Rabiot's tenure at PSG. His likely destination seems to be Barcelona at the moment.
A strong midfielder at just 23 years of age could just be the signing Barcelona was looking for, and Rabiot could be one of the main midfield options for Barcelona in the future. Since Rabiot's contract is coming to a close at PSG, he would be available for a cheaper price to Barcelona.
Had the Catalan club invested in Paul Pogba, they would have had to shell out a lot of money. That would have made it difficult for them to settle the financial books, considering the fact that they have had two huge transfers in Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho in the previous two transfer windows.
However, they now have a relatively cheaper price to pay for a player who is one of the best midfielders across Europe.
Hence, Rabiot's move to Barcelona could cool the club's interest in Paul Pogba. Without a suitor, Pogba could shake off the transfer speculation, which will boost his commitment to the club. The team is now playing around Pogba, and it would be in the best interest of both parties if the Frenchman continues with United.
Rabiot's main reason for leaving PSG is because of the loss of game time, and he would be looking for more chances to play at his next club. Hence, Rabiot would be assured of his chances at Barcelona before he signs for the club. That would indirectly rule out a move for Pogba who could have an effect on Rabiot's game time.
With Barcelona looking elsewhere, Manchester United now have a Paul Pogba who will be without distractions. Hence, Rabiot's move to Barcelona could have a positive impact on Pogba's Manchester United career.
