Paul Pogba is currently one of the most in-demand footballers in the world.
The Juventus talent has established himself as a fine midfielder, his swashbuckling style helping the Old Lady to yet another Serie A title this season.
Of course, Pogba’s performances have attracted interest from Spain and England, and it is quite remarkable that Juve have been able to retain his services for four seasons.
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But the 23-year-old can only ply his trade in Serie A for so long. Juventus reached the final of last year’s Champions League, admittedly, but they cannot consistently compete for European titles.
A move to Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester City would give the France international a much better chance of getting his hands on the coveted trophy and it seems for all the world that Pogba will join either of those three teams in the near future.
He’s also been linked with a return to Manchester United who, under new manager Jose Mourinho, are widely expected to compete for the biggest trophies once again.
€270 million price tag
According to The Sun, United have made a £60 million bid to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford, the club he left in 2012 as a 19-year-old.
However, Juventus chiefs were probably insulted by that offer. Spanish newspaper Sport claim they have put a price tag of €270 million on the midfielder.
It’s an incredible fee. Nobody will be surprised if Pogba becomes the most expensive player in football history when he leaves Juventus - that’s just the way the market works - but €270m is extortionate.
Perhaps it’s a clear indicator that Juve have no interest in selling and believe that Pogba won’t kick up a fuss if his suitors baulk at the fee.
Sport’s report adds that the Italian champions initially requested €150m, but added another €100m after Madrid asked if Juve striker Paulo Dybala could be included in the deal.
Unceremonious exit from United
United are the bookmakers’ favourites to land Pogba and it would spare Sir Alex Ferguson’s blushes somewhat if Mourinho was able to lure the Frenchman to Old Trafford.
Much has been made of Ferguson’s decision to allow Pogba to leave on a free after making just seven first team appearances, with the Scot blaming his agent, Mino Raiola, in his autobiography, but the truth remains that United left a fine talent slip through their fingers.
Pogba’s mother has since admitted that Ferguson’s treatment of Pogba reduced him to tears.
“We had got together with his brothers and we decided: he [Pogba] won’t re-sign,” Yeo Moribo told AFP, per the Independent.
“Ferguson punished him, he didn’t play him, Paul was alone. He even cried in Ferguson’s office over the way he was treated.”