Paul Pogba was a teenager at Manchester United when his talent was recognised and was picked up by Italian giants Juventus and brought to Turin. He left a Premier League winning squad to prove himself at another continental giant.
The Frenchman and Manchester United have since had contrasting fortunes as the midfielder has gone to become a world class footballer, helping Juventus to four Scudettos in a row while United’s downward spiral since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson has seen them narrowly miss out on the Champions League spots this season.
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The midfielder recently spoke of his desire to win the Champions League saying that he had still not achieved anything in football. Pogba is an ambitious footballer who would like to showcase his talents at the highest stage.
Juventus have apparently given Pogba a twenty-day window to decide whether he would like to move on or continue at the club. Reports have also emerged hinting that Pogba is up for sale, raising the possibility of a transfer in this window.
The possible destinations for the Juventus midfielder are listed below.
1) Real Madrid
Los Blancos are always in the market for world class players and the 23-year old has been exactly that for Juventus over the past two seasons, playing at the level required to be a Real Madrid star.
Fiorentino Perez recently declared Real Madrid’s interest in Paul Pogba saying, “If a player such as him [Pogba] is available, we may go for him, but would have to reach an agreement.”
Real Madrid seems to be a logical destination for Pogba as manager Zidane termed him to be ‘extraordinary’ while the Juventus midfielder has claimed that Zidane was his footballing idol. The Frenchman would certainly add some steel to what is a slightly lightweight Real Madrid midfield and will be an upgrade on the club's midfield options.
The La Liga giants are big enough to match the ambitions of the young midfielder who recently said he has won nothing in football. Going to Madrid will be the ideal way for Pogba to realise his dreams of winning trophies with one of Europe’s super clubs.
2) Barcelona
Barcelona have been speculated to have a longstanding interest in the precocious talents of Paul Pogba. He is a physical, all-action midfielder with outstanding technical ability who would be an upgrade on the highly talented Ivan Rakitic.
Pogba is one of the best midfielders in the game today and with Barcelona’s midfield oriented play, he should fit in like a glove. Moving to Barcelona would also give the French midfielder the opportunity to play alongside players the calibre of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta
Barcelona might face problems in funding the transfer of Pogba as the fee would likely be over £50 million although the transfer should not be a problem if the player himself wishes to come.
3) Chelsea
Antonio Conte, the manager who brought Pogba to Juventus from Manchester United will be taking charge of the London club this season. With Chelsea’s midfield in need of strengthening this season, Pogba would be an ideal option for the Blues. Nemanja Matic was woefully out of form last season and Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel not able to dominate Premier League teams anymore. Thus, if Conte wants to Chelsea to be the dominant force in the Premire League once again, bringing in Pogba would be a no-brainer.
The 23-year old will not only raise standards and bot also bolster the morale at a club which finished 9th in the Premier League last summer. Pogba would also provide Conte with the opportunity to bring a player who is familiar with the style and system of the Italian. The Blues reportedly already had a huge bid for Pogba rejected earlier this year.
Buying a player of Pogba’s calibre should not be a problem for the London club. Fueled by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovic’s billions, they would be able to pay a huge transfer fee and a fat pay cheque for the midfielder’s services.
4) Manchester City
The Pep Guardiola revolution will be coming to Manchester City this year and there is bound to be a lot of transfer activity at the Etihad this summer as the Spaniard looks to mould the City team in his own image.
Pogba is the ideal Guardiola footballer. A player with a high footballing IQ, Pogba is accomplished at both attacking and defensive roles in midfield. And he should be a perfect fit for the fluid system Pep Guardiola is expected to instill at Manchester City.
Yaya Toure is well past his best and is likely to be sold this summer. Pogba, who has spoken about the possibility of working with Guardiola, would be a like for like replacement for the Ivorian.
Guardiola bought a raft of players when he managed Bayern Munich and will be expected to do the same at City. The Citizens have an almost unlimited budget and will be able to afford whatever the required price may be for the Frenchman’s services. Playing at City would also give Pogba an opportunity to get back at his previous employers, Manchester United.
5) Manchester United
Paul Pogba returning to Manchester United would be surprising given his unpleasant departure from the club in 2012 but things might change with the arrival of Jose Mourinho and the guarantee of success the Portuguese brings along with him.
The Manchester United midfield has been crying out for a Pogba-like presence which dominates the game since the departure of Roy Keane in 2005. The Premier League side had a world class squad when Pogba departed the club. With the Red Devils finishing in 5th place the previous season, the French talisman would no doubt command a place in a Manchester United team which has looked sluggish and off pace for a number of years.
Jose Mourinho has apparently shortlisted the 23-year-old on his transfer shortlist. The move would be a dream transfer for Manchester United fans as a world class academy graduate would return to ply his trade for his boyhood club.
