Manchester City are considering a potential move for Paul Pogba on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The French star is pretty certain about leaving Manchester United the second time after rejoining the club in 2016 for a then-world record transfer fee worth €105 million. As he is out of contract at the end of next month, it is understood via The Guardian that arch-rivals Manchester City are willing to offer Pogba a four-year contract, with the option to extend a year thereafter.
City boss Pep Guardiola understands the midfield void that will be created after the departure of club captain, Fernandinho – who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium in the summer. Therefore, City are exploring the option of prising Pogba away from Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
Moreover, clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also thrown their hats in the ring to obtain the signature of the French midfielder. But Manchester City is said to have the upper hand to come to an agreement with the World Cup winner.
Earlier, Man City ruled out a £100 million move for West Ham star Declan Rice (via Football London). The deal was probably said to be “off the table” so as to finance the potential signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland this summer. Guardiola’s interest in signing Frenkie de Jong was also said to be on cards. But the deal might have been easier if the Dutchman was to leave Barcelona willingly.
Pogba’s reputation goes hand-in-hand with a lavish contract demand. But City with its prestige and strong financial built can offer the Frenchman a sizeable amount of wage.
Is Paul Pogba a Viable Option For Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola has identified Paul Pogba as a prospective player who can audition for the role of a central midfielder at Manchester City.
Manchester City will sign a new midfielder once the Haaland saga’s over. Paul Pogba has been discussed internally as @MikeKeegan_DM reported – still nothing advanced, PSG also in the race 🔵 #MCFC
Frenkie de Jong, highly rated but expensive.
Scouts have monitored Matheus Nunes too. pic.twitter.com/NLL9t69SYR— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 6, 2022
Since his transfer from Serie A club Juventus, he has struggled to make the desired impact at Manchester United. His recent form has even created a sense of dissatisfaction among fans in particular. Last summer, United was reported to have offered him a new deal. But it was apparently rejected and since then, the club has not been back with another.
Pogba’s inconsistent performance has found him scoring 39 times in 233 league appearances in all competitions (stats via transfermarkt). He has only won the League Cup and the Europa League during his six-season campaign.
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If his transfer was bound to materialize, then it will definitely be the talk of the town. But at the moment Man City will not be able to make a formal offer to Pogba until the end of the season. And his potential move to the Etihad rather seems difficult now given the loss of his agent, Mino Raiola. The 29-year-old will likewise oversee other proposals before committing to Manchester City.
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