Paul Pogba is expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, the midfielder having failed to agree terms on a new deal and out of contract next summer.
Europe’s elite are monitoring the situation of the France international ahead of a free transfer move, who has failed to live up to expectations across five seasons at Old Trafford.
Signed in a then world-record transfer from Juventus in 2016, the Red Devils now face the prospect of losing Pogba on a free transfer for a second time, having also seen the midfielder depart in 2012 before his record-breaking return to the Premier League.
With recent reports having suggested a new deal appears unlikely, we look at the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United.
Tottenham – 25/1
Tottenham have been priced at odds of 25/1 to sign Pogba, the North London side ranked as surprise outsiders for the midfielder’s signature.
Antonio Conte’s arrival at Spurs has led to speculation that Pogba could swap United for the capital, having enjoyed a fine period under the guidance of the Italian at Juventus.
The 28-year-old won two league titles and the Golden Boy award under Conte’s tutelage in Turin and Spurs could launch an ambitious move for the France international in a bid to reunite the pair next season.
Any deal appears far-fetched and would likely lead to Spurs shattering their wage structure to accommodate Pogba, though it would certainly represent a statement of intent and be a clear demonstration of the board’s faith in Conte, should a shock deal materialise.
Real Madrid – 20/1
Real Madrid have long been linked as potential suitors for Pogba and are ranked as third-favourites for his signature, as the Spanish giants look to reinforce a talented midfield that is coming towards the end of its cycle at the Bernabeu.
With both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos now the wrong side of 30 and Casemiro set to join the pair before the season’s end, the signing of Pogba would add to the club’s engine room options.
Spanish football’s biggest clubs are currently struggling in the present financial climate and the prospect of signing Pogba on a free transfer – provided the player’s wages and signing-on fees are affordable – would represent a cost-efficient method of strengthening for Los Blancos.
The priority for Real Madrid remains the signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, with potential for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to secure two of the most high-profile free agents of 2022 in one window next summer.
Juventus – 16/1
Could Juventus seal the return of Pogba to Turin?
The midfielder enjoyed four hugely successful seasons with the Bianconeri between 2012 and 2016, winning four consecutive Serie A titles and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
Pogba has previously spoken of his admiration for both Juventus and Turin since leaving for the Premier League, whilst the return of former manager Max Allegri for a second spell at the club could lead to a reunion.
Named in Serie A’s Team of the Season in three successive seasons during his time at Juventus, a return to Italian football could see the Frenchman rediscover the form that prompted United to make Pogba the most expensive player in history at the time of his Old Trafford arrival.
Having relinquished their stranglehold on the Scudetto last season before making an indifferent start to the current campaign, Juventus will be looking to strengthen their options and return to Serie A’s summit.
Paris Saint-Germain – 9/1
Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites to sign Pogba and have been priced at odds of 9/1 to complete a deal, the Parisians amongst the few clubs in Europe with the finances to conclude a transfer at present.
PSG capitalised on free agency last summer to land the high-profile signings of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Georginio Wijnaldum, and the Ligue 1 side could add Pogba to their growing collection of Bosman buys.
Kylian Mbappe’s expected exit will free significant room on the club’s wage bill to entice Pogba, who could be tempted by a return to his native Paris and the prospect of signing for a side with ambitions of winning the Champions League in the coming seasons.
Having failed to win silverware since a League Cup and Europa League double during his debut season with Manchester United, a move to PSG is close to a guarantee of major honours given the side’s dominance of the Ligue 1 landscape across the past decade.
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