Paul Pogba is poised to depart Manchester United for a second time, but his return to Juventus is unlikely. The midfielder will leave at the end of his expiring contract. Rather than the Bianconeri, Real Madrid and PSG are the frontrunners to capture him on a free transfer.
According to The Mirror, the French star has already left the Whatsapp group chat with his current teammates. Coach Ralf Rangnick openly stated that the 29-year-old probably would not re-up his expiring deal and head elsewhere. He will miss the remaining fixtures due to a calf injury.
Juventus signed Pogba in 2012 when he originally left the Red Devils, but an encore is difficult. He earns more than €10M per year, and the Bianconeri have ceased handing out large wages. They hold out some hope thanks to the connection with the player and his agent Mino Raiola. It is a long shot because he would have to accept a steep pay cut.
Moreover, the midfielder wishes to compete to win the Champions League, which has eluded him thus far. PSG could have an advantage over Real Madrid if they hired Antonio Conte, who already coached Pogba at Juventus. The bidding war for his services will fuel his demands.
The Bianconeri will add at least one midfielder in the summer. The transfer market will dictate whether they will bring in a pure deep-lying playmaker, such as Jorginho, or a dynamic box-to-box. Manuel Locatelli’s role and Arthur’s future will hinge on that, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.