Man City make Pogba decision as DREAM transfer nears

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 16 Dec 2024 10:29 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester City have come to a decision over Paul Pogba, with the France international midfielder now poised to complete a transfer that has been described as a “dream” move.

City find themselves in the grip of a major crisis following their 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side have only won one of their last 11 matches, with the manager claiming that had it not been for his past success, he would be sacked by now.

An injury to midfield lynchpin Rodri is widely credited as being crucial to the downfall of the Premier League champions, with Pogba cited as a potential replacement for the Ballon d’Or winner.

The former Manchester United player is currently a free agent after serving a ban after being found guilty of taking a performance-enhancing substance. He has not played for close to 18 months and was released by Serie A side Juventus in November.

City have come to the conclusion that a deal for Pogba, who can return to action in March, is off the table, The Mirror reports.

Pogba’s past at Man Utd is said to be one contributing factor to the decision, while there are also significant concerns that he would take time to adapt to Guardiola’s playing style and also to rediscover his level. A deal with Man City is not considered realistic at the moment.

Pogba’s future becomes clearer

With Manchester City pulling out of a deal for Pogba, it leaves Ligue 1 side Marseille with an apparent free run to sign the 2018 World Cup winner.

He has been described as OM’s dream signing by Stade Velodrome legend Dimitri Payet: “I think, like all supporters of Marseille, that Paul Pogba is a dream.

“If the rumours are true or not, I can’t say. But in any case, having worked in the national team and played with some of the other Marseille players, he knows that if he signs, he knows what he’s getting himself in for. And it can only be beneficial for him to join Marseille.”

Pogba has also been associated with teams in MLS and in the Saudi Pro League, but he has indicated his desire to come back and prove himself at the top level once more.