Pogba Circus Continues

The Paul Pogba circus continues...

According to The Sun newspaper, the French World Cup winner is interested in a free-transfer move to Barcelona.

Pogba’s United future remains unclear with only a year left to run on his current contract, although Manchester United does have a 12-month extension clause, which if not actioned by the club means Pogba could leave for free at the end of his current contract.

According to Mundo Deportivo, with money is not as plentiful at Barca as it once was, the Catalans hope to land the Frenchman on a ‘free’. Manchester United however is unlikely to let such a situation arise.

Barcelona was unable to spend big in the summer transfer window and hope they can set up a Bosman agreement for the 27-year-old as soon as January. Pogba is believed to be a big admirer of the Catalan club and reports suggest he’s open to a move.

Yet only a few days ago at a press-conference while on international duty with France, he suggested he’d like to play for Real Madrid one day, saying, “... it is a dream for me.”

Hardly words designed to endear him to the Nou Camp faithful!

But then nothing surprises when it comes to Pogba, Manchester United’s underwhelming star.

Patience at Old Trafford towards their once world record signing may well be wearing thin, although boss, Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer appears to have a soft-spot for the player he nurtured when serving as United’s reserve team manager.

Until now United has not opened talks with Pogba with regard to a contract extension and may be prepared to let him go during the January window, but not for free. If the player has no suitors at the price United want, It’s likely that United will then invoke the extra 12-month extension to his contract.

Pogba had originally revealed in 2019 he was ready for a new challenge, but Covid implications earlier this year effectively quelled all speculation.

The player himself said, “I heard a lot of noise that I was going to leave and I was going to leave to clubs left and right.

“Today, I am still at Manchester United and am fighting to try to take the club even higher.”
He also revealed that no-one from Manchester United has approached him to discuss a contract renewal.

“I think that there will be a moment where the club comes to speak to me and maybe offers me something, or not.

“For the moment, nothing has happened.”