Manchester City could be about to launch an outlandish move for Paul Pogba, with the former Manchester United star dropping hints over his next move in football.
With Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic struggling in the centre of the park, Guardiola’s midfield has been questioned since Rodri’s unfortunate ACL injury in September. The Sky Blues have already invested in talent this month – but surely bringing in Manchester United’s record signing would be extraordinary, even by their standards?
Pogba was handed a four-year ban for doping in March 2024, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later reducing that to 18 months. In a club statement in November, however, his employers Juventus said that they were terminating his contract, confirming that they would not be re-integrating him into their squad when the ban ended.
The Frenchman has been free to begin training in January, following his ban ending this month – and has now set sights on his next club. Last year, the Manchester Evening News confirmed that Pogba was eyeing a move to the Premier League, with a CaughtOffside report now relaying comments that he wants to play Champions League football at his next club.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in October, Pogba confirmed that he spoke to Guardiola when he was a free agent in 2022. The former most expensive player in the world chose to return to Turin in the end, with rumours that City chief Txiki Begiristain had considerable doubts over the deal.
With former Sporting man Hugo Viana now heading recruitment, the “typical City signing” may well have changed – and there is plenty that would appeal to Guardiola about Pogba. An all-round midfield powerhouse at his peak, able to function as a no.6 and a no.8, he could perform a number of midfield roles and has is technically blessed as a passer.
FourFourTwo understands, however, that the boat may have sailed for Pogba signing for City. While a free transfer can’t definitively be ruled out, he’s only allowed to play from March onwards, with Guardiola needing reinforcements to his team right now – and another Juve star, Douglas Luiz linked.
There is the issue of City’s ageing squad, too. Ilkay Gundogan 34, Kevin De Bruyne is 33 with Stefan Ortega, Ederson, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Bernardo Silva all 30. Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji will both turn 30 before the start of next season, too, followed by Jack Grealish’s 30th in September.
In a shocking turn of events, Manchester City has expressed interest in signing Paul Pogba, the talented but troubled French midfielder. According to reports, City has “sounded out” Pogba’s representatives to gauge his interest in a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.
Pogba, 30, has been out of action for over a year due to a doping ban, but he’s been working hard to regain his fitness and has shared updates on his progress on social media. The midfielder is currently a free agent after mutually parting ways with Juventus in November.
While Pogba’s talent on the pitch is undeniable, his off-field antics and inconsistent form have raised concerns among pundits and fans alike. However, Manchester City’s interest in the French midfielder suggests that the club believes he can be a valuable addition to their squad.
“Paul Pogba is a world-class player, and if he’s available, we’d be foolish not to consider him,” said a Manchester City source. “We’re always looking to strengthen our squad, and Pogba’s talent and experience would be a welcome addition.”
However, not everyone is convinced that Pogba would be a good fit for Manchester City. Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, has expressed concerns about Pogba’s attitude and work rate.
“I wouldn’t go near him,” Carragher said. “Pogba’s got talent, but he’s got attitude problems, and he’s not consistent enough. Manchester City need players who can perform at a high level every week, and I’m not sure Pogba can do that.”
Despite the doubts, Manchester City’s interest in Pogba is a clear indication that the club is willing to take a gamble on the talented midfielder. If Pogba can regain his form and fitness, he could be a valuable addition to City’s squad.
However, the question remains: would Pogba be willing to join Manchester City, given his history with the club’s arch-rivals, Manchester United? Pogba spent six years at United, winning the Europa League and the League Cup, but his time at the club was marked by controversy and inconsistency.
Only time will tell if Manchester City’s interest in Paul Pogba will come to fruition. But one thing is certain: if Pogba does join City, it would be one of the most surprising transfers of the season.
As the drama unfolds, Manchester City fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.
