- 13 hours ago
Newcastle plotting BLOCKBUSTER move for World Cup winner
Newcastle are plotting an audacious blockbuster move for a World Cup winner.
After a middling season so far that sees them sit 10th, Newcastle are plotting to do some big business in January to shake up their season.
That business is, according to Fichajes, a blockbuster move for World Cup winning French midfield maestro Paul Pogba.
Pogba is currently a free agent having most recently played for Juventus (his second stint) after leaving Man Utd (also his second stint) on a free transfer.
The move would send shockwaves through the Premier League. Pogba is a player of immense, world-breaking talent. And even though he hasn't really lived up to it these past few years he still carries an enormous reputation and ability.
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Of course one of his major issues over the last few years has been injuries and his inability to stay fit. Since leaving Man Utd in 2022, the Frenchman has racked up 8 official injuries according to Transfermarkt, missing massive gametime.
Pogba's other big problem was his long ban for doping having failed a drugs test in 20 August, 2023. Originally set at 4 years, his ban was later reduced to 18 months, most of which he had already served.
Pogba is allowed to begin training again in January 2025, and playing in March 2025. So any team who signs him will have two months to have him settle in and rebuild his fitness before he can play.
Back in Black (and White)
Pogba joining Newcastle would be an extraordinary statement of intent from Newcastle, who have thus far shied away from signing world-class superstars.
But with their season flagging and needing a reason to keep Alexander Isak happy with Arsenal showing their interest, a playmaker of the stature of Pogba could be exactly what they need.
Pogba has led title charges before and won massive games too. Of course, who can forget how he dominated and won the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow?
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And of course his best form in the club game came when wearing black and white stripes, albeit that was the Juventus kit. But even then he did play next to a long-haired Italian and a very angry South American.
Not that Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but an argument could be made that this is a set-up that could really suit Pogba and help him get back to his best level.