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In the summer of 2012, when Manchester United let go of Paul Pogba, they would have never believed that their decision would come back to haunt them. Pogba has become a phenomenon at Juventus. The defensive midfielder has taken the Serie A by storm. His agent, Mino Raiola was right in saying that Juventus offered the 19-year old Pogba of 2012, the best deal following the exit from Old Trafford.Pogba made just 6 appearances under Sir Alex before accepting a move to Italian giants, Juventus. Contrastingly, he has grown prodigiously under Antonio Conte, who trusted Pogba with a place in the starting line-up rather than send him out on loan by virtue of his tender age and inexperience. Other suitors who came to obtain the Frenchman’s services include the likes of AC Milan and Genoa. As Raiola has revealed, first team football attracted Pogba to Juventus.Two years hence, it is hard to see what clubs around the world can offer, to lure this very obvious talent away from the Serie A. Pogba’s market value has skyrocketed in the last two seasons following impressive performances for club and country. The hunt for his signature has begun yet again. Only this time there are a bigger clubs with mighty financial resources chasing Pogba. But only one will be successful at the end.
#1 Real Madrid
Big spending Real Madrid may yet again end up victorious in a global financial transfer battle. Mino Raiola has confirmed that Pogba will leave Juventus in the next two years upon the completion of his contract. Madrid who have, in the recent past, strived to build a team of superstars look to make another addition to their squad this summer.
It will not be surprising if this youngster is standing on the Ballon D’or podium as one of the best of the world. Madrid’s midfield already looks daunting. The uncertain futures of Sami Khedira and Gareth Bale makes Paul Pogba seem a more than competent replacement. The Frenchman has world class skills and vision which provide little evidence of his young age.
Real Madrid have broken the $100 million barrier twice in the last 6 years. There is no reason why the Los Blancos would not do it a third time.
#2 Manchester United
Pogba’s former club is most likely to get him back if reports are to be believed. They have been at it since the previous season when David Moyes first attempted to bring the Frenchman back to Old Trafford. But Louis Van Gaal & Co will have to break bank yet again if they wish to be successful in completed the transfer.
United are looking to bolster their defensive options after displaying evident lapses at the back. They have also been plagued with injuries and poor form which has hit at the most inopportune of times resulting in a leakage of goals. Pogba will be used as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder assisting Daley Blind and Ander Herrera who operate in the region. Van Gaal recent insistence on playing Rooney in the midfield might see Pogba partner the England international in the centre of the field.
#3 Manchester City
In 2012, Pogba left United because he was overlooked while opportunities for first team action were being handed out. Rumours then stated that the youngster was on the verge making a move across town to Manchester City but decided against it in order to avoid controversy. He went on to choose Juventus instead.
Pogba is currently valued in the global football market at a staggering £70 million. Manchester City, who have never been shy to splurge, are likely to spend this kind of money for the kind of services Pogba will provide. Financial Fair Play however dictates that Manuel Pelligrini will have to ensure equal revenue from the sale of players before investing money in Pogba. Failure to comply might result in City facing a transfer ban like the one handed out to Barcelona
If successful, Manchester City will field a mouth-watering midfield which will consist of Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Jesus Navas.
#4 Chelsea
Chelsea may not be able to match the asking price of £70 million for Pogba but are ready to offer £40 million and a player to make up the difference. There are several players who might be offered up as bait to see the deal through. Ramires and John Obi Mikel seem the most likely to be asked to depart.
With the Blues’ latest signing of Juan Cuadrado and Pogba with another 18 months left on his contract, it looks like Mourinho will look to complete the transfer of the Frenchman in the upcoming summer. Cuadrado and Pogba will join the likes of Oscar and Hazard in the Chelsea midfield.
#5 Paris Saint Germain
The resources at the Parisian club’s disposal are vast. PSG can potentially break transfer records if they decide to land Pogba’s signature. Mino Raiola has revealed that the price for the midfielder might even cross £100 million and PSG could be prepared to match it. Raiola has also stated that his client will only leave Juventus for one of the top clubs in the world. All in all PSG seem to be very eligible candidates.
For Pogba personally, it will be a dream country to return to France and challenge for honours at home and also stand a good chance of winning silverware in Europe. Ambition will however force Pogba to look at the Premier League or the La Liga where competition is high. Higher competition means playing against the best players of the world which will help bring out his true potential.
