The transfer which seemed liked a certainty 24
hours earlier has been thrown in doubt after
reports in Italy claim that Juventus have rejected a
world record €120m bid from Manchester United
for their star midfielder Paul Pogba.
Reports from Football Italia claim that Juventus
want over €130m if they are to allow Pogba to join
his former club this summer. The news was also
confirmed by the renowned journalist Gianluca Di
Marzio who claims Juventus are willing to hold out
for United’s last offer before deciding on Pogba’s
future.
There are two points to consider here as to why
Juventus are playing the hardball game with
Manchester United. A) Mino Raiola’s €20m agent
fee is yet to be settled which has allowed them
time to stretch the negotiations and B) Real Madrid
are not quite out of this transfer puzzle either.
According to Marca, after losing out on Andre
Gomes, who went to Barcelona, Real are willing to
match United’s offer for Pogba and could even
outbid them to sign the French midfielder.
It has allowed Juve to demand more from United in
hope of getting the best price for their midfield
asset. The general feeling in Italy is that Juventus
do not need to sell Pogba either to cover for the
spending they have done this summer.
They may be close to signing Gonzalo Higuain for
€94m but they will pay Napoli over the course of
two summers (€45m + €45m). Add to that, Serie A
Champions are certain to cash-in on the likes
of Mario Lemina, Simone Zaza, Roberto Pereyra
and even Leonardo Bonucci in coming weeks.
This could mean a huge disappointment for
Manchester United who looked certain to sign
Pogba and wrap up their summer of transfer
activities. Jose Mourinho has often claimed that
his board are trying to sign FOUR specialist players
this summer with three already arriving at the club.
Pogba is seen as that fourth and final piece of
Mourinho’s jigsaw this summer but United are also
linked with the likes of Blaise Matuidi and James
Rodriguez.
After the recent snub from Juventus, United may
want to switch their targets and look to match
value with money, by going for a player who is
more in the region of €25-35m and not someone
who attracts a €120m worth of attention like Pogba
has brought to the club in recent weeks.
We are still not certain as to which direction this
transfer saga will take its next turn but as of now,
Manchester United are in a slightly favorable
position as they have indeed made an official bid
unlike Real Madrid, who are still contemplating it.
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