Although Juventus have been unsuccessful to this point, there’s a sense that they are working hard to make a reunion with Paul Pogba a reality.
The French center midfielder, of course, checks off all the boxes. He fits the culture of Juventus, having been an integral part of the team that went to a Champions League Final and won Serie A title after title.
But more importantly, Pogba fits as a footballer. He is a creative, intelligent, well-rounded midfielder who would be light years ahead of his peers in Turin both in technical ability and chance creation. He is one of the world’s finest passers, though he has been too restricted at Manchester United to show off the full range of his abilities.
Pogba’s desire to leave United is no secret to Juventini, and the Bianconeri are seemingly one of two preferred destinations for the player. But since the main target of Pogba’s eye, Real Madrid, no longer have the means to make a move a reality, Juve are the favorites.
Juventus reportedly offered four players to Manchester United for Paul Pogba
This summer, in lieu of the funds to make a nine-figure purchase, Juventus reportedly offered a number of swap deals to the Red Devils for Pogba.
Per Calciomercato.com, Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey were the underperforming center midfielders offered in one package idea, as the club wanted to make an upgrade from the stopgap free-agent signings of 2019. Oft-injured winger Douglas Costa, who was moved back to Bayern Munich on loan, was also mentioned. And finally, Miralem Pjanic, who was swapped for a better and younger midfielder in Barcelona’s Arthur, was a candidate to move to United.
Why did United reject these offers? They wanted cash and cash only. Though I have a feeling they were also underwhelmed by the players offered by Juventus, since none of the three players who were not moved in another deal (ruling out Pjanic) are truly starting-caliber. Costa is talented, no doubt, but his age and injury history preclude him from being a crown jewel in a package deal for a world-class midfielder like Pogba.
Juventus will surely keep trying for Pogba. That seems to be the message coming out of the January transfer window. This summer is the time to pounce for Pogba, with the likes of Houssem Aouar and Manuel Locatelli also ranking highly on Juve’s wishlist.
But the allure of Pogba back in Turin? Putting Pogba in a midfield with Cristiano Ronaldo in front of him in a squad filled with young talent? Pogba is a superstar in name and performance, and he would love nothing more than to remind fans around the world of the latter with Juventus.
Swaps are probably out of the order for Juve, though maybe they could find a bigger name to sway United’s minds. In the case that they can, the Bianconeri should like their chances of making a truly world-class signing.