When Paul Pogba’s contract at Manchester United expires in the summer, Manchester City are considering signing him on a free transfer. According to the Guardian, Pogba is willing to cross the city.
Pogba is keen to work with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who feels the World Cup winner could play in a deeper midfield role. Following in the footsteps of Carlos Tevez, Pogba leaving United for City would be a controversial decision that would see him accept lower earnings than he presently receives.
City are unable to make an official approach for Pogba until the conclusion of the season, but the Guardian understands that they are prepared to offer the Frenchman a four-year deal with the option of a fifth year.
Pogba, who joined United from Juventus for £89 million in 2016, will not be extending his contract at Old Trafford. At Manchester United, the midfielder has struggled to make an impression, scoring 29 times in 154 league appearances over six seasons, winning one League Cup and one Europa League. Last summer, the club offered him a new contract, which he declined, and they have not given him another since.
Prior to Mino Raiola’s death, Pogba shared an agent with Erling Haaland, who will join City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, according to the Guardian. The striker’s release clause will be paid by City, and terms have been negotiated with the Norwegian, whose father Alfe played for City at the turn of the century.
City will lose one central midfielder this summer, with veteran Brazilian Fernandinho stating that he will return to Brazil to continue his playing career, leaving the squad short in that position.
It’s uncommon that a player with Pogba’s pedigree and commercial value becomes available for free. Few would be able to afford Pogba’s wages – he is now paid £290,000 per week at Old Trafford – and he may be left with few choices in the summer. Paris Saint-Germain is rumored to be interested in signing him, while Real Madrid has previously attempted to sign him.
Pogba is likely to have played his final game for United after limping off with a calf injury during their defeat to Liverpool earlier this month.