Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has fuelled talks about Paul Pogba’s potential return to Turin from Manchester United. The Frenchman’s future at Old Trafford is hanging by a thread as the record-time Italian champions look to take advantage of the uncertainty to re-sign their former midfield talisman.
Pogba has only a few months left to run on his current deal in Manchester, with no signs of a breakthrough in extension talks on the horizon. Even though the 28-year-old has blown hot and cold since sealing his blockbuster €105m switch back from Juventus in 2016, the Old Trafford hierarchy are keen to hand him a new contract.
However, influenced by the controversial agent Mino Raiola, the World Cup winner has his heart seemingly set on a move away. Pogba’s hesitance about putting pen to paper on a new deal has put several top European clubs on red alert, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
As ever, Juventus are firmly embroiled in the race to bring the highly-rated playmaker back to Serie A. The France international enjoyed a rise to stardom in Turin, with Allegri playing a prominent role in turning Pogba into a world-class midfielder.
The polarising star was a key component of Allegri’s squad that won four Serie A titles on the trot between 2012 and 2016 before completing his mega-money return to Man United six years ago.
With those fond memories still stored in the back of Pogba’s mind, Juventus are growing confident of beating the fierce competition for his signature come the summer. And Allegri has now added to such speculation.
“I had a great relationship with Pogba, that’s true – but it’s not time to talk about new signings,” he said, as relayed by the Daily Express. “I had a great relationship with Pogba, that’s true – but it’s not time to talk about new signings.“
Despite remaining tight-lipped in the interview, Allegri practically opened the door for Pogba’s return to Juventus. The club’s high-profile acquisition of Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window was a statement of intent. It may have served as a warm-up for what’s coming up in the summer.