Unique hairdo, iconic dab, derby goal, hat trick of assists, dressing room dancing, controversy. Paul Pogba’s 2nd innings at Old Trafford has seen it all. After spending six seasons in the red side of Manchester, Pogba has called it a day as he is set to leave the club for free for the second time.
The Frenchman returned to The Theater of Dreams in 2016 for a then-world record fee of 89 million pounds, and fans have had to put up with his sporadic performances in the United jersey since then.
In Pogba’s second spell, he donned the red jersey 233 times and won just 2 major titles. At the age of 29, the World Cup winner surely has a lot to deliver and could do wonders at a different club this summer. Here are his possible destinations in the Summer of ‘22.
Juventus
Pogba’s homecoming has never been ruled out in all these six years. Juventus acquired the services of Pogba back in 2012 for free before selling him back to his youth club for an enormous amount. In 2022, Pogba is linked again to Juventus for a free transfer.
Currently, there is no dearth of central midfielders in the Italian side, but a player of Pogba’s calibre is too hard to pass on. Moreover, the playing style of Serie A suits Pogba’s game. Banking on his experience of playing in the league eight years back, Pogba might actually turn the tide this time.
Juventus finished without a trophy, and Allegri can only improve with Pogba at the helm. With an already strong midfield of Rabiot, Zakaria, and Locatelli and a well-decorated forward line of Vlahovic, Chiesa, and Bernardeschi, the addition of Pogba will have all the bookies out there rooting for the Turin-based club next season.
Real Madrid
‘Los Blancos’ have renewed their pursuit of the ex-Juventus midfielder, who was a top target for Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu while he was in charge.
The La Liga and UCL winners have one of the best midfield trios in world football. But, let’s face it, none of them are getting younger. Ancelotti has already added Camavinga to his squad. And the rise of Valverde has made it possible for the trio to smoothly pass the mantle. Paul Pogba could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
“La Pioche” is imaginative and incisive with his passing range, perhaps not better than Kroos or Modric, but he is certainly not far behind. His physical prowess is highlighted by his ability to shrug off midfield opponents. Gareth Bale and Marcelo’s departure means Pogba could take some of their wages, thus not meddling with Real Madrid’s wage structure.
Paris Saint Germain
Naseer Al Khelaifi’s PSG went on a shopping spree last summer as they signed Messi, Ramos, Wijnaldum, and Donnarumma all for free. The addition of Pogba might actually be the catalyst for PSG’s eternal hunt for European glory.
The Qatar-backed club will have no problems in dealing with Pogba’s exorbitant wages. Pogba could easily slot into Pocchettino’s 3 midfield alongside the likes of Gueye, Herrera, Verratti, and Wijnaldum, among others.
The Paris-born midfielder will be tempted by a move to the French capital. Should Pogba sign for PSG, he will be one of the few people to have played for both Messi and Ronaldo. With the domestic cup already secured, Pogba may be the missing link for PSG to finally win the Champions League.
