Last summer, France midfielder Paul Pogba used to be a hot property and received interest from most of the European giants. Manchester United found it hard to keep him, as the mercurial playmaker was tagged with a £150million asking price.
Change in Fortune in Transfer Market
Everybody expected the story to repeat this summer, with Paul Pogba securing a move away from Old Trafford. He never hid the fact that he wanted a move to Santiago Bernabeu. With Juventus and PSG interested, it was a matter of time that he could secure a move away from Old Trafford.
Time has changed, and with COVID-19 outbreak, the European giants are fighting for their financials, some of them fighting for their existence. The expenditure during summer would be prudent, with no over-the-top spending for the clubs.
Unfortunately, Pogba himself could not back his tag price with excellent performance as he had an ankle injury during the start of the current season, which he ultimately got under the knife, before making it to training ground recently. The Frenchman has made just eight appearances till the last on Boxing Day
Mino Raiola has come out in media with the announcement that his client wants to move away a few months back. But the table has been turned after the arrival of Bruno Fernandez. With Scott, Matic and Fred, Manchester United started looking a different team, as Portuguese took charge in midfield.
Inter rejected Pogba deal
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have reportedly been tracking Inter’s £52million-rated defender Skriniar, who has been told that he will be sold for a hefty fee when the transfer window re-opens.
According to the Italian journalist, Paulo Paganini – via his Twitter account – United had devised a swap deal involving Skriniar and Pogba that – it was hoped – would suit both parties.
However, Inter have rejected the proposal, and it is instead claimed that Juventus trio Aaron Ramsey, Douglas Costa and Adrien Rabiot are all players who would be considered in an alternative swap arrangement.
Change in priority at Santiago Bernabeu
Zinedine Zidane who reportedly wanted his countryman to lead the midfield looks happy with Fred Valverde growing in stature in Bernabeu, and prioritise his spending differently after Coronavirus outbreak.
Real Madrid are also believed prioritising for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland for their frontline. This could force them to put Pogba interest in the deep fridge.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Uli Stielike believes the Frenchman has the necessary skills but may lack the right spirit to have a positive impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.
If you want to return to the idea of the galactics, maybe yes.
But I am more in favour of humble players with great talent and sacrifice for the team.
Uli Stielike, Former Real Madrid and Germen Midfielder on a player should feel as a part of the team (to AS)
There is only one Cristiano.
That’s why I see that any team needs a certain adaptation time when a fundamental piece is gone.
Uli Stielike, Former Real Madrid and Germen Midfielder on Real Madrid require time to rebuild after Cristiano Ronaldo departure (to AS)
Christophe Dugarry, the former France international supported 26-year-old France midfielder.
We have all observed that this [Real squad] is aging a little. It is [a team] that has problems projecting, breaking lines and reaching the second line when there are centres.
Pogba can do it. He is a boy who can score goals. For me, he is the ideal boy to give Real Madrid what is missing.
A year has passed that has been difficult for him, because he has injuries and his team does not perform well, but every time he has been able to play, he quickly recovers his level. Knowing Zizou, if he was in love with Pogba, there is no reason for him to be gone a year later.
Christophe Dugarry, Former Real Madrid and France player to RMC Sport
