Pranav Nair
Juventus could push to swap Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United star Paul Pogba
According to 90min (h/t The Daily Star), Manchester United could be approached by Juventus for a potential blockbuster summer deal that will see Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba swap clubs.
Both players are currently in the final year of their contracts at their respective clubs. As things stand, United remain unsure of whether Pogba will commit his future to the club or seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Ronaldo meanwhile looks set to depart Juventus after three years with the club. While he may have put up impressive numbers in Turin, he failed to lead Juventus to a European crown. Given his high standards, it is a noticeable disappointment.
While he could yet choose to stay on, Juventus may very well have to bid goodbye to the Portuguese legend. If the Old Lady do sell him this summer, they will look to recoup at least some of the £100million fee they paid Real Madrid to secure his services in 2018.
It is debatable if any club will pay such a huge amount, especially for a player in the sunset years of his career. An alternative could be a player swap, something Juventus appear keen to pursue. According to the report, Juventus are set to make an offer that could suit all parties. Intermediaries involved have proposed a swap deal that would see Ronaldo and Pogba switch clubs.
As yet, neither club has officially discussed that deal. However, those close to the players involved have not ruled it out. While some may argue that is a win-win for all, United could very well be drawing themselves the short end of the stick.
Ronaldo currently earns £27m per year after tax in Turin. Meeting the same wage bill would be a poor move by United. Ronaldo remains potent but is nearing the end of his career. He is not the overwhelming force that he once was and United will do well to stay away from the misadventure.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United target Danny Ings rejects four year contract offer at Southampton
- AC Milan remain keen on landing Manchester United star Diogo Dalot
- Rio Ferdinand looking to recruit Raphael Varane for Manchester United
Juventus have often made astute moves in the free agency market in recent years. The offer to give us an ageing Ronaldo for Pogba who is in his prime is nothing less than a swindle. With Paris Saint-Germain also interested in Pogba, the Red Devils are not desperate enough to accede to Juventus’ terms.
