January's Most Wanted: Pogba to Madrid, PSG or Juve?

Cameron Smith

Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
4 min read

Paul Pogba, Manchester United, Premier League, 2021/22 — © ProShots

There's not many players, if any at all, who have experienced such media attention and scrutiny as Paul Pogba has during his time at Manchester United.

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Whether it's praise for a good performance, regular criticism for poor displays or his extravagant hairstyles, or even transfer talk, the Frenchman is seemingly always the topic of conversation.

A move to Real Madrid never appears to be off the table, and every transfer window since his return to the club has seen him linked with a departure again.

He may have suffered spells on the sidelines recently, but Pogba is no longer a guaranteed starter at Old Trafford, even when he's fully fit, and hence is heavily rumoured for a move away from Man Utd.

What is Pogba's transfer status?

At the moment, it seems as though Pogba himself wants a move away, and while Manchester United would like him to stay, an exit appears to be a matter of when, not if.

Man Utd have offered him a contract extension, but the Frenchman rejected that back in 2021, and is yet to be offered an improved deal.

He seems to be on his way out of the club, although where his next destination will be is currently unknown.

When does Pogba's contract expire?

Pogba's current deal expires in June 2022, so unless he signs a new contract, he will become a free agent in the summer.

What clubs are interested in Pogba?

Pogba is no longer the player he was at Juventus, and while he still performs to the very highest level for France, his club form over the past 18 months has meant suitors aren't lining up for him as they once were.

Real Madrid have long seemed like the only realistic destination for the midfielder, but French newspaper Le Parisien claim Los Blancos have decided to push their interest in Pogba to the side in order to concentrate on landing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.

In fact, their desire for Mbappe to join has meant Pogba is no longer on Florentino Perez's transfer radar.

With Real Madrid seemingly out of the running, it will likely be a battle between PSG and Juventus to land Pogba's signature.

Back in November, The Athletic reported that Pogba held 'brief' talks with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in a Paris hotel, although the club's sources insist it was simply a coincidence they bumped into each other.

However, a move to his homeland could be an attractive proposition for Pogba, while a return to Turin and Juventus is another possibility.

The Old Lady are seeking exits for Arthur Melo, Aaron Ramsey, Weston McKennie, and Adrien Rabiot according to multiple sources, so they'd certainly be room for Pogba in central midfield.

Could Pogba leave in January?

With Pogba's contract expiring in the summer, it seems unlikely he'll depart in January. Given the current COVID situation in England, Man Utd will be keen to keep hold of as many players as possible, and so unless a reasonable offer came in, they would say no.

Furthermore, the fact he can be signed for free in the summer will put off most clubs from bidding in January, and considering he's currently out injured, it would make little sense to attempt a move.

Could Pogba leave in the summer?

Most definitely. In fact, as things stand, it seems as though an exit is looming for Pogba. Unless he completely changes his mind, and decides to sign a new deal, he will be leaving for free in the summer.

His wages will be an issue for most clubs, but given his talent, someone will pick up Pogba for free over the summer window.