In Focus: Where next for wantaway Pogba?

 

Paul Pogba has his heart set on a move away from Old Trafford — and Manchester United’s Champions League elimination will only have solidified that desire.  

Agent Mino Raiola has made it clear the midfielder wants to leave in January. 

Ahead of Saturday’s derby clash against bitter rivals Manchester City, we consider which clubs may have the inclination — and the cash — to sign the inconsistent United star.

The background

Raiola could not have been any more explicit about 27-year-old Pogba’s wishes when he spoke to Tuttosport earlier this week. 

He said: "Paul is unhappy. He is no longer able to express himself as he would like and as expected of him. 

"He has to change teams — he has to change the air. 

"He has a contract that will expire in a year and a half, but I think the best solution for the parties is to sell him in the next market."

Do United want Pogba to depart?

United triggered an extension in Pogba’s contract in October, tying him down until the summer of 2022.  

But there must be an acceptance at Old Trafford that it is counterproductive to keep an unhappy player at the club against his will. 

The challenge for United is to somehow recoup a significant proportion of the then world-record £89million they shelled out for Pogba (pictured above) in 2016. 

And that will be far easier said than done in the current economic climate.  

A Parisian homecoming?

Given the limited resources at many of Europe’s top clubs, a move to Paris Saint-Germain feels like Pogba’s best chance of escape from Old Trafford.  

Money is no object for the Qatari-owned club, so a high-profile transfer to last season’s Champions League finalists is certainly a possibility. 

PSG have a penchant for collecting big-name stars and a move to the French champions may well appeal to the Paris-born World Cup winner. 

And it is certainly an area of Thomas Tuchel’s squad that needs reinforcement. 

Spanish interest looks unlikely

Theoretically, both Barcelona and Real Madrid could benefit from a fit and firing Pogba. 

But the LaLiga giants would struggle to meet Manchester United’s asking price and the midfielder's wage demands. 

That is most true of Barca, who are in dire financial straits, while Madrid’s lack of summer transfer activity reflects a period of austerity in the Spanish capital.  

Real were reportedly near the front of the queue for Pogba’s services before he joined the Red Devils, but his inconsistent form since then will have raised question marks over his suitability. 

A return to Italy?

Pogba is still held in high regard in Italy after picking up four titles during his time at Juventus. 

It is impossible to rule out a return to Turin — especially when you consider Juve's willingness to shuffle their pack to free up funds for a big name. 

Coach Andrea Pirlo briefly played alongside Pogba at Juventus but his recent switch to a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders will not suit the United man. Nor will the fact the Italian champs already have a surplus of central midfielders.  

Once among the world’s most-wanted players, Pogba increasingly looks like an expensive luxury few can afford.