According to recent reports, a certain Manchester United star is now very close to joining Serie A giants Juventus on a four-year free deal. The player in discussion is none other than French midfielder Paul Pogba.
"Paul Pogba’s representatives are finalising a four-year contract for the player to join Juventus on a free transfer. (Via: Sky Sports)"
In his second coming at Manchester United, Pogba brings a seven-year spell to an end and will probably never rejoin the Premier League again. He enjoyed 230 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils, contributing with 39 goals and 49 assists.
The Premier League club attempted many times to have pen a new deal but with the club going through a rough patch during his time at Old Trafford and teams such as Juventus, Manchester City, and Real Madrid after him, losing him for free was almost inevitable.
They watched their chances of extending his deal diminish when they failed to qualify for the Champions League for next season. Not aiding the situation in any way either: the rumours of a dressing spat and his request to be one of the best-paid players in the league, if not, the world.
A few weeks back, Manchester United in a statement on their official website confirmed that Pogba would leave Old Trafford once his contract expired in June.
"The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract.It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill.But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated.Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey.(Via: manutd.com)"
The move back to Juventus would mark Pogba’s second spell with the club after previously also joining them for free from Manchester United. He spent four years with the Old Lady before marking a return back to Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba is on a quest to regain his form after a forgetful second stint at Manchester United
Having rejected advances from rivals Manchester City, Pogba will hope he finds his form back in Italy. The former World Cup winner had an injury-ridden second spell at Manchester United and would be hoping to put it behind him as he enters what some may consider the twilight of his career.
Juventus are looking towards a rebuild as they want to improve on their fourth-position finish in the Serie A last season. Paulo Dybala has already left the club while Federico Chiesa’s transfer to the club has been made permanent.
The trustable football journalist Fabrizio Romano recently tweeted saying about Pogba:
"Paul Pogba will sign his contract with Juventus at the beginning of July, the expectation into the club is now clear. Final details are being discussed but verbal agreement is in place for his return."
He also added,
"Pogba has turned down Man City approaches one month ago."
As Pogba reaches his 30s, this will probably be the last big move of his career and he would want to make sure that this is the right decision.
We did see moments of brilliance from the Frenchman during his time at Manchester United and football fans all over the world would be hoping he finds his form again in Italy.
Looks like the #PogBack has now turned into #PogGone.