Wait, so it’s finally happening?
Jose Mourinho is on the verge of pulling off a stunning transfer coup, with Paul Pogba set to return to Old Trafford as the world’s most expensive player.
Pogba, who will be leading France at the Euro 2016 final on Sunday, has been linked with a move away from Juventus for the whole summer. Initially, he was associated with Man United, Barcelona and Real Madrid – with the latter two being favourites to land the 23 year-old.
However, it now appears that Man United have powered ahead on the pecking order, and they are prepared to break their bank to land Pogba, as Mourinho prepares to revive the fortunes of a club that has suffered since Sir Alex left in 2013.
WHY UNITED OVER MADRID?
Pogba was initially keen on a move to Barca, though it was evident from the beginning that the Spanish giants were never going to blow their budget on him. His second choice was Real Madrid, but as explained by renowned football journo Guillem Balague, that situation has changed.
Real Madrid don't wanna compete with the figures Manchester United will pay for Pogba https://t.co/N3qSs3wWcX
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) July 9, 2016
“He has had conversations with Zinedine Zidane and he wants to play for Zidane. The problem is Real Madrid feel the kind of money that Manchester United is willing to pay for him is crazy and they cannot match it,” Guillem told Sky Sports.
Guillem also claimed that Pogba is United bound on Twitter, yesterday. “He prefers Real (no matter what people say) but United will pay more to Juventus, agent and him. United bound,” he tweeted.
IS POGBA OPEN TO A UNITED RETURN?
So assuming Madrid are priced out of a deal, is Paul Pogba really open to a return to the club that unceremoniously let him leave four years ago, despite possessing clear potential?
According to multiple reports in Europe, the answer is yes. Here are several explanations. Firstly, Pogba mainly had an issue with Sir Alex’s reluctance to play – it had nothing to do with the club. In fact, most reports claim that Pogba is aware of United’s global appeal and why it’s arguably regarded as the biggest football club in the football – a challenge that’s appealing to the 23 year-old.
Secondly, the Jose Mourinho’s determination to succeed bodes really well with Pogba’s aspirations. The Portuguese manager has finally landed his dream job and judging by his press conference statements, winning seems to be his utmost priority. This determination is also evident in their transfer moves so far.
Paul Pogba has told certain friends & team-mates of his desire to return to Manchester United. (Source: L'Equipe) pic.twitter.com/zDiPeK9EPl
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 8, 2016
They’ve signed a promising defender in Eric Bailly, and two world-class players in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. These players are winners, and Pogba sees a unique opportunity to go after global domination with United.
Thirdly, the money is outrageous. Pogba is reportedly earning around €4.5 million euros per year with Juventus (which is the tipping point of Juve’s internal salary cap) while United are prepared to triple the amount, according to Sky Sports. More importantly though, the English side are also prepared to offer a whopping 20% of the transfer value to Mino Raiola, should the deal go through.
IS THERE A DEAL ON THE TABLE RIGHT NOW?
Now this is the confusing part and you’re probably wondering if there is indeed an agreement between United and Pogba’s representative, or if both parties have not discussed anything?
According to multiple reports in England and Italy, Ed Woodward has reached a preliminary agreement with Mino Raiola and Paul Pogba. The numbers evidently vary, but to a large extent, here’s the general breakdown that’s been trending all over the internet.
Note: if Manchester United finalise the deal, then will break any record paying Pogba 145m€ (120 to Juve + 25 to agent)
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 6, 2016
Pogba wages at Manchester United would be approximately treble than what he earns at Juventus
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 6, 2016
And here’s the clincher. United’s willingness to pay €25 million to Mino Raiola, is the only reason Madrid are backing out of this transfer saga. Talk about the role of agents in modern football. If you thought Jorge Mendes was huge, Mino Raiola has officially arrived at the party.
But of course, this doesn’t mean Pogba will be in Man United colours, just yet.
WILL JUVE ACCEPT THE DEAL?
Ultimately, it boils down to this. Let’s face it, €120 million is a hefty amount to reject, let alone ponder about. But Juve aren’t exactly facing a financial crisis. Profit is the only temptation, but assuming their board of directors decide to use some of their senses in dealing with this saga, it’s not entirely impossible to see them reject the deal.
Del Piero: "I think Juve want to keep Pogba for one more year. But definitely MUFC are a huge club, its tough for him to decide what's best"
— Rahul Singh (@forevruntd) July 9, 2016
Juve have already lost Morata (for the time being, at least) and while that won’t do much to their Serie A hopes, it could put a dent in their hopes of finally bringing the Champions League trophy back to Turin. But assuming they hold on to Pogba for one more season, and allow him to combine with new signing Miralem Pjanic in midfield, Juve will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
But of course, you also have the counter-argument. €120 million would also allow Juve to splash the cash on a few good targets and boost the overall strength of their squad. With Premier League clubs going gung-ho with cash from the new TV deal, Juve need some sort of financial prowess to compete in the market. The money they receive from Pogba’s sale could very well do the job for them, and give them a considerable edge in Europe.
IS POGBA DESPERATE TO LEAVE?
Pogba is pretty happy in Turin, and the only thing more attractive about Man United at the moment, is money. Juve will never break the €4.5 million mark they are paying him at the moment.
Nothing new on Pogba. The situation is the same: player will not force a move & Juve do not want to sell. #SkyItalia pic.twitter.com/NRtjQWD63U
— Tarek Khatib (@ADP1113) July 9, 2016
But remove money out of the equation, and there’s very little reason for Pogba to leave Juve. He has a perfect platform to develop and become a better player (also add more value to his price tag). Juve will go into the new season as favourites to retain their Serie A title, which is a clear opportunity to win another title. And of course, Juve are in the Champions League – something Man United can offer for one year, at the very least.
Worst-case scenario, Pogba could remain at Turin for one year, before sealing a dream move to Real Madrid next summer, assuming Zidane is still there.
WHAT HAPPENS IF POGBA STAYS?
If Pogba stays, Juve will have their asset for one more year. Most football pundits and journos don’t expect him to remain in Turin beyond one more year, and Real Madrid could come hunting after him again next summer.
But it’s difficult to see United retaining their interest beyond this summer. Mourinho wants Pogba, but he isn’t exactly obsessed. He sees Pogba as a key jigsaw in the puzzle he’s trying to complete at United. If Pogba doesn’t come, United will reportedly pursue Blaise Matuidi or even N’Golo Kante of Leicester City.
Mourinho is determined to build a decent squad to challenge for the Premier League title this year – he’s not willing to settle for Champions League spots, as depicted in his inaugural press conference last Thursday. If he misses out on Pogba, he’ll look elsewhere. And if Matuidi or Kante arrive, that could end the possibility of Pogba ever making a return to Old Trafford.
WHAT IF POGBA JOINS MAN UNITED?
If Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan and Mourinho have not restored the ‘fear factor’ to Man United, Pogba’s arrival will effectively seal the deal. It’s been a difficult few years for United fans, and they’ve often struggled to compete consistently.
Paul Ince: "If Man United can get Pogba then that sends out the signal that we are really going for it this year." pic.twitter.com/tlcYoIEwoL
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) July 8, 2016
But in Mourinho, they’ve got a winner who will restore confidence within the dressing room. In Mkhitaryan, they’ve got a proven talent, who will set Old Trafford alight with his assists and goals. In Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they’ve got a special character, whose sheer presence will be enough to send chills down the backbone of Stretford End. And in Pogba, they’ll have a world-class midfielder, who is built and moulded specifically for global domination.
I won’t jump the gun and say United will win the Premier League. But Pogba’s arrival will make them heavy favourites, and it will also be the perfect stepping stone for Mourinho to usher is his own era of dominance at Old Trafford.
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