Pranav Nair
Transfer News: PSG need to sell before buying Manchester United ace Paul Pogba
According to French publication Le Parisien (h/t Sport Witness), Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain, will need to fork out at least €75million to land Manchester United star Paul Pogba this summer.
The 28-year-old is currently in the final year of his deal at Old Trafford and is yet to pen an extension to stay put. With around a month to go before this summer’s window closes, United will need to make a decision on their star midfielder’s future.
Having spent a club-record fee to land him in 2016, the prospect of losing him on a free transfer next year is unfathomable. That is something that the Red Devils should take into account as we plot how to best go about it. It does not, however, appear to include selling him on the cheap.
According to the report, the Red Devils are seeking between €75m-€100m for Pogba’s services. As things stand, the asking price is ‘far too expensive’ for PSG, who will struggle to give United what they want. They could, however, raise funds by selling players first.
Those potentially set to depart the Parc des Princes include Thilo Kehrer, Pablo Sarabia or ex-United midfielder, Ander Herrera. Selling them will not just bring in funds for Pogba but also clear up space on the wage bill. Any hope they have of United softening their stance in the next few weeks is unfounded. The Red Devils appear ready to lose the player on a free rather than sell on the other side’s terms.
A big role to play this season
Pogba was amongst United’s best players last season and scored a number of key goals for us. In fact, his absence due to injury was a dagger blow to our title hopes. While it will remain unknown if we could have usurped Manchester City, the Frenchman’s availability would have made the job much easier.
With Jadon Sancho now onboard and Raphael Varane set to join soon, Pogba will have a stellar cast around him at Old Trafford next season. Keeping the Frenchman at the club will give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer another reliable superstar who could help end the club’s trophy drought.
What happens in the remainder of the summer transfer window remains to be seen.
More Manchester United News
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- Manchester United might earn profits from Chelsea move for Romelu Lukaku
- Paul Pogba warned over the Glazers’ Manchester United exit policy amidst refusal of contract extension
It is often said that it is better to die on your feet than live on your knees. That certainly appears to be United’s approach in handling the Pogba situation. The club does not appear ready to lower their demands and could make a strong statement this summer if they keep hold of Pogba. Having seen us flounder in the transfer market in recent years, this newfound assertiveness, at least on the surface, is a refreshing change.
