Why Pogba wants to stay at Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• 7 Oct 2021 08:42 BST
• 3 min read

Paul Pogba has made his decision: he wants to sign a long-term contract with Manchester United and commit himself to the Old Trafford club for what is left of the peak years of his career.

It was less than a year ago that agent Mino Raiola made the startling revelations that Pogba was not happy at Man Utd, yet the midfielder has steadily worked his way back into the plans of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is once again a key figure.

This has been best underlined with his Premier League performance so far this season. In seven matches, Pogba has posted an impressive seven assists and at 28 years old is on course for a record-breaking season.

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But it is also a pivotal season in his career. In June, a six-year contract will expire, giving him the possibility of free agency next summer.

L’Equipe reports that is a prospect that Pogba is eager to avoid.

When once it seemed inevitable that he would depart Man Utd, a long-term stay at Old Trafford now looks likely.

In part, though, this has become a default option for Pogba.

Pogba ready to sign new Man Utd deal

The French sportspaper reports that Man Utd are one of the few clubs that can afford the wages that Pogba wants. His wage demands hit around €20 million per year and quite simply there are few other clubs willing to pay him such a salary.

Real Madrid are set to spend their excess money on Kylian Mbappe and possibly Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain are not considered a priority for the player, who believes that his day-to-day life would become too crazy back in his home city.

Barcelona’s financial issues are well known and Bayern Munich would not meet his wage demands.

In the Premier League, Pogba has no wish to play for Manchester City and Chelsea apparently have little desire to deal with his agent.

With Man Utd, meanwhile, Pogba knows that he is at a club capable of paying him what he considers an acceptable wage and is content with his day-to-day life. A new deal is surely only a matter of time.