Paul Pogba transfer hanging by a thread as various factors scupper deal
The transfer of Paul Pogba from Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain appears to have fallen through before it really began to materialise.
PSG have been one of the main clubs to be linked with Pogba as he runs down his contract at Old Trafford. His deal expires at the end of the season and although he can imagine staying, he is not yet ready to commit. Therefore, United have been left in a tricky situation, deciding whether to keep or sell.
Even with one year left on his contract, only the world’s elite clubs would be able to afford Pogba. PSG are certainly among them, having flexed their financial muscles on several occasions in recent years.
This summer, they have spent less in terms of transfer fees, but committed to big contracts for the likes of Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma, all of whom joined as free agents. They also spent big on Achraf Hakimi.
But the main topic of conversation in Paris now is Lionel Messi, who has left Barcelona and seems all set to move to the Ligue 1 giants.
While they work on that blockbuster deal, PSG’s hopes of signing Pogba have faded significantly. According to Le Parisien, there are numerous reasons as to why.
The first is United themselves. The Premier League club reportedly do not want to let Pogba leave and have set an asking price of €75m.
From Pogba’s perspective, he was “immensely seduced” by the idea of joining PSG. However, the club have not made a formal offer to him. They are unlikely to do so now they are aiming to accommodate Messi.
But as long as Pogba doesn’t sign a new contract, PSG will be watching on. There is a chance they could move for him next summer if he becomes a free agent. It would fit into a “perfect schedule” for the French club’s Qatari owners ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
For now, though, it seems Pogba will be playing for Manchester United for at least one more season.
Leicester line up Man Utd raid
While Pogba may be staying put for now, several other United players are being linked with an exit still.
For example, the attacking midfield position seems crowded. Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Donny Van De Beek and Jesse Lingard are among those fighting for the same place.
One of those could still depart before the window shuts. In fact, a Premier League rival are looking into a transfer…
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