Why Mbappe could block Pogba's move to PSG this summer

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • 19 Feb 2022 08:34 CST
  • 7 min read
Paul Pogba, Manchester United, Premier League, 2021/22
© ProShots

Manchester United are unquestionably in a state of flux right now as they struggle on and off the pitch.

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The player that perhaps sums up the Old Trafford side’s leap into the unknown this year is undoubtedly Paul Pogba.

The playmaker has put in some fine performances for Man Utd this season and remains a starter under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

However, the France international also has a contract that is set to expire at the end of the season and reports from England suggest there is very little indication that Pogba intends on staying at Man Utd this summer.

As such, a number of Europe’s biggest clubs have been alerted to the player’s availability. Pogba’s former side Juventus remain a keen admirer, Real Madrid could be his smartest choice next season but the most likely destination remains Paris Saint-Germain.

Not only do the Ligue 1 giants have the finances to match Pogba’s demands but they could also allow him to play with the freedom that he clearly desired at Man Utd.

And yet, as much as that may make plenty of sense, it now seems as though a move to PSG could now be in some doubt thanks to a recent change in circumstances at the club.

Why PSG may be out of the race for Pogba

Things have been changing quickly at PSG ever since their midweek clash with Madrid, in which Kylian Mbappe once again proved why he’s the most promising player in the word.

Such was Mbappe’s performance that the Independent reported that PSG were now willing to make the France international the best paid player in the world and to pay him more than €600k per week.

This, coupled with Madrid’s apparent staleness in the Champions League, may just be enough to convince Mbappe to sign an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

This is undoubtedly good news for PSG, but not exactly what Pogba would want to hear. According to the English publication, such an incredible offer to the striker could end up impacting on what the club can offer the Man Utd star.

As such, Mbappe deciding to stay put in Paris could mean PSG aren’t able to offer Pogba a deal to make the move back to France this summer.

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