Madrid, Barca and now PSG? Pogba is running out of options this summer
FT Desk
- 22 Mar 2022 18:52 GMT
- 6 min read
Manchester United's season seems to once again be in tatters, after the club were knocked out of the Champions League last week by Atletico Madrid.
Ralf Rangnick’s dishevelled side are now out of the racing for any silverware this season, which should now turn all attention towards the summer transfer window and which stars will be coming and going.
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One of the most obvious departures at the end of the season seems to be Paul Pogba, whose contract expires in a matter of months and has yet to sign a new deal with Man Utd.
However, while reports continue to link the France international with moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the reality on the ground seems to be that the midfielder is running out of options.
Real Madrid
Perhaps the biggest club linked with a move for Pogba this summer has been Real Madrid, who are no strangers to signing big players for the simple fun of making a statement. And the Man Utd midfielder would certainly be that.
However, a quick look at the way Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has evolved this season would suggest that there would be very little room for Pogba in Madrid’s team next season.
The signing of Edouardo Camavinga has been nothing short of a revelation in Madrid’s midfield and the club have also been able to call upon the exciting young talent, Federico Valverde, too. Two players that would be fighting with Pogba for a spot in the team.
Couple that with the club’s ambitious plans to land both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland this summer and it seems unlikely that Madrid will be going out of their way to sign Pogba.
Here we go. After verbal agreement reached days ago, Franck Kessié has signed as new Barcelona player until June 2026 - it’s gonna be four year deal, he joins as free agent from AC Milan. 🔵🔴 #FCB
Kessié will receive €6.5m net salary plus add-ons. Medical already completed. pic.twitter.com/9kFCIPJXn5— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2022
Barcelona
Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for Pogba but it seems as though the Catalan giants have already made their move for another midfielder.
According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barca have agreed terms with Milan box-to-box talent Franck Kessie and will sign the talented midfielder in the summer for free.
Although Kessie and Pogba could theoretically play alongside one another for Barca next season, the club already have a stacked midfielder with the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets. Once again, it seems unlikely that Pogba will get a look in.
Paris Saint-Germain
The other major club that have seemingly offered Pogba a route out of Man Utd are Paris Saint-Germain, but they also seem to be perfectly well stocked in midfield this season and going into the next campaign.
Indeed, while it remains to be seen who the club’s manager will be next season, whoever does end up picking the team will have no less than six senior central midfielders to pick from. Such has been the competition for a spot in PSG’s midfielder this season that reports in France are now suggesting that Georginio Wijnaldum may have to leave this summer just to pick up game time elsewhere.
As such, it seems highly unlikely that PSG’s current or indeed future manager will be pushing the boat out for yet another central midfielder anytime soon.
