Juventus will make contact with Manchester United in the next two to three weeks’ as they begin their efforts to bring Paul Pogba back to Turin.
However, they will only raise the topic on the fringes of a meeting with United to discuss the future of their striker Mario Mandzukic.
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Pogba would prefer to return to Juventus, the club he played for between 2012 and 2016, rather than join Real Madrid who have been heavily linked with the France international over the past two seasons.
And with this knowledge, the Italian champions will gauge United’s intentions concerning Pogba who has made no secret of his desire to leave Old Trafford in the nearest future.
The Red Devils are also keen to strengthen their attacking options, with Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic one of the top names on their transfer plans and this clearly puts Juventus at an advantage or gives them some sort of bargaining tool in the possible transfer negotiations for Pogba.
United managed to keep hold of Pogba last summer despite interest from some of Europe’s heavyweights but have reportedly started to realize that holding the France midfielder against his will may be counter-productive.
As per Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2021 and thus every waiting game United keep playing keeps them at risk of losing their star asset for free or close to nothing – based on his reputation.
Still valued at €100m as per the same source above, United would want to make the most out of Pogba financially and ensure they gain close to If not all of the world-record £89m they coughed out to secure his services back in 2016.
Paul Pogba still remains a world-class player and the Bianconeri would no doubt be greatly improved in quality should he return back to the club. However, the one reason Juventus should avoid a move for the France international is the baggage he comes with – off the pitch potentially.
Too much for Sarri to handle
Pogba is that one player who gathers influence wherever he goes and his stature and calibre easily sees him become the “biggest name” wherever he goes. It’s no surprise he’s United’s biggest name, top earner and that influence spreads to the France national team as well.
Having an influential player is not ideally room for any concern but having “two” in the ranks – two of whom are very egoistic could be too much “trouble” for Sarri to handle.
From missing training on a few occasions to reportedly refusing to travel with the United squad in pre-season, Pogba is not far from controversy wherever he goes. Putting a Cristiano Ronaldo in the mix makes it all more complicated.
Ronaldo has had his own little row with Sarri after he appeared to be frustrated after he was substituted against Milan some weeks ago. The kind of reputations both players have would mean there would be a “background” struggle for who remains the biggest name at the club.
Of course, Ronaldo is the obvious bigger and more commercial party but when you consider Pogba was formerly at Juventus and it was the Bianconeri side that gave him a prominent name in Europe, he could feel he has a big spot in the hearts of fans.
Pogba enjoyed four successful years with Juventus between 2012 and 2016, winning the Italian league championship in four consecutive seasons.
Although a recent report by AS has stated that Ronaldo has approved the decision to sign Pogba, Juventus should perhaps have a re-think before going for a player with so much talent yet so much controversy.
Besides there is Dybala who remains the best name for Juventus to build the team around moving forward. Pogba will simply bring an upset in squad dynamics and at this point he is the luxury Juventus and Sarri doesn’t need.
