10 - Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8046]

Juve: Pogba alternatives unclear

http://www.football-italia.net/86155/juve-pogba-alternatives-unclear?

Jun 21, 2016

Reports conflict on Juventus' post-Paul Pogba targets, now believed to be Valencia's Andre Gomes, Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani and Barcelona's Javier Mascherano.

The sale of midfield star Pogba to Real Madrid may only have been hinted at by his agent Mino Raiola, but a wealth of scenarios and possible new squads for the Old Lady are being painted.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports today that the primary targets for the Turin club in case of a sale of Pogba will be Gomes, along with Palmeira's Gabriel Jesus and Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak.

However Il Corriere dello Sport only agrees about Gomes, claiming that their other primary targets are PSG striker Cavani and Barca's Mascherano.

They are also confirming the known interest in Marseille's Michy Batshuayi and Everton's Romelu Lukaku as alternatives to Cavani.

It's uncertain what Juventus' specific strategy is, though they can only be aiming for a limited number of these players even if they do sell Pogba, as most of them are priced above €40m.

[Socrates 8046]

Raiola: ‘Juventus want to keep Pogba’

http://www.football-italia.net/86221/raiola-‘juventus-want-keep-pogba’

Jun 22, 2016

Mino Raiola says any Paul Pogba transfer “must be run past Juventus” amid Real Madrid links.

The French midfielder has been linked with a move to Los Merengues, with his agent confirming this week that some talks have taken place.

“Will Pogba leave Juventus?” Raiola considered, speaking to Premium Sport.

“Paul has to grow. He’s at Juve now, so any transfer must be run past Juventus.

“I’ve said that he likes [Madrid Coach Zinedine] Zidane, Real Madrid is fascinating as are Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, [Manchester] City, Chelsea and also Juve.”

The Suning Group has completed a takeover of Inter, while another Chinese consortium is in talks to buy Milan, will that change the landscape of Italian football?

“Of course, money matters a lot. But if there are no business plans and there’s no investment it won’t change anything.

“Would I listen to offers from Milan and Inter for Pogba? Why not? My interest is to represent my players as well as possible, so I don’t rule anything out.

“I have to do right by my players.”

The agent also represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is currently out of contract and has been linked with Milan.

“He’s told me where he wants to go,” Raiola admitted.

“Could he return to Italy? Hope is the last thing to die. We’ll see…”

[Socrates 8046]

Elkann: ‘Pogba not for sale’

http://www.football-italia.net/86222/elkann-‘pogba-not-sale’

Jun 22, 2016

Exor CEO John Elkann insists Juventus won’t sell Paul Pogba - “Marotta has been very clear”.

The French midfielder has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Bianconeri general manager Giuseppe Marotta declared yesterday that they “won’t open negotiations”.

Speaking at an event for the Agnelli foundation, the CEO of Juve’s holding company discussed Pogba, as well as the departure of Alvaro Morata, who has returned to Real Madrid.

“Juventus have a tradition of great champions, and Morata is a great champion who gave so much,” Elkann said, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I wish him good luck for what he’ll do at Real Madrid. We’ll soon meet him with the national team, and I hope Italy play a great match [against Spain].

“Will Pogba leave? Marotta has been very clear about that…”

[Socrates 8046]

Pogba agent hints at Juventus exit: 'Paul has to grow'

The France international is a long-term target for Spanish giants Real Madrid

and his representative admits the Juve playmaker still has scope to develop further.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/06/22/24923072/-?

Jun 22, 2016

Paul Pogba's representative Mino Raiola believes the Juventus midfielder is interested in several top European clubs.

Currently on international duty with Euro 2016 hosts France, the former Manchester United player remains one of the world's most sought after creative talents.

Real Madrid's persistent interest in Pogba has heightened ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, with the 23-year-old producing another consistent campaign in 2015-16. 

"Will Pogba leave Juventus?" Raiola pondered to Premium Sport.

"Paul has to grow. He’s at Juve now, so any transfer must be run past Juventus.

"I’ve said that he likes [Real Madrid manager Zinedine] Zidane, Real Madrid is fascinating as are Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, [Manchester] City, Chelsea and also Juve."

Despite considerable interest from abroad, the player's agent admitted he would not neglect potential offers from rival Italian clubs. However, Raiola dismissed suggestions any move would be stimulated by financial gain.

"Of course, money matters a lot. But if there are no business plans and there’s no investment it won’t change anything," he said.

"Would I listen to offers from Milan and Inter for Pogba? Why not? My interest is to represent my players as well as possible, so I don’t rule anything out.

"I have to do right by my players." 

[Socrates 8046]

Raiola: 'Juve must listen to Pogba'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86233/raiola-juve-must-listen-pogba

Jun 22, 2016

Agent Mino Raiola claims “if Paul Pogba finds a more important project, then Juventus must take that into account. Only six clubs can afford him.”

The midfielder is valued at well over €120m now and Raiola has been stirring the pot with a series of interviews around Europe.

“At the moment we are not talking about the transfer market,” Raiola told Mediaset Premium Sport before doing precisely that.

“There are only six clubs who can afford him, so it’s easy to guess who they are. If Pogba found a more important project, then Juventus must take that into account.

“In any case, he is happy in Turin and never denied that. Juventus are a very big club and a great team. Paul has to grow, it’s true, and he is at Juve now, so any transfer would have to pass first through the Bianconeri.

“He always wants to test himself against any reality, be it Juve, another team or France.”

Real Madrid are believed to be the favourites for Pogba after Raiola told Spanish papers they had begun “initial” negotiations.

“I said he likes Zinedine Zidane, finds Real Madrid fascinating the same way he does Barcelona, Manchester United, PSG, Manchester City, Chelsea and also Juventus,” said the agent.

“Are the offers for Pogba we read about every day fake? You say they are fake because offers are only real when written from one club to another.

“Players always aim to move forward, that is not a problem. The real problem is now that transfer gossip has become more important than football played on the pitch and that’s not right. Transfer gossip is fake and has become like a reality show.”

How much is Pogba truly worth in today’s market place?

“The value of every player is dictated by the buyer and the market. The important thing is what the people who want to buy the player think.

“Do Real Madrid have the potential to sign Pogba? It’s a club that has always been accustomed to moving the frontiers of any idea we had before, so they can do what they want.”

[Socrates 8046]

Juventus prepare Pogba renewal

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86278/juventus-prepare-pogba-renewal

Jun 23, 2016

Juventus will reportedly offer Paul Pogba an improved contract to ward off Real Madrid interest.

The Frenchman is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market, with his agent, Mino Raiola warning that he could find “a more important project” even though he’s happy in Turin.

Today the Guardian is reporting that the Bianconeri will raise Pogba’s wages from €5m per season to €7m, in an effort to convince him to stay.

In addition, the Old Lady have demanded €120m from Real Madrid, a price which Los Merengues are unlikely to meet.

[Socrates 8046]

As: Man Utd €120m for Pogba

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86351/man-utd-€120m-pogba

Jun 25, 2016

Today’s edition of Spanish newspaper As claims Manchester United have begun talks with Juventus for €120m Paul Pogba.

Although the Bianconeri have repeatedly stated Pogba is not for sale, offers continue to pour in.

Now As maintains that not only have Manchester United opened negotiations with Juve for Pogba, but they are also prepared to pay agent Mino Raiola €25m commission.

The player would receive a contract worth €12m per season net.

Jose Mourinho is determined to bring the France international back to Old Trafford, where Pogba left as a free agent in August 2012.

It would be an extraordinary turnaround for Manchester United to pay €120m or more for a player they allowed to leave when his contract expired only four years ago.

Real Madrid are known to have started talks for Pogba as well, confirmed by Raiola to the Spanish newspapers.

[Socrates 8046]

Paulo Dybala says that Paul Pogba will

remain at Juventus this summer

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/6/25/12029046/

juventus-paulo-dybala-pual-pogba-2016-serie-a-interview

Jun 25, 2016

There are a lot of Paul Pogba-related things floating around these days. Some of it is true, some of it is utter crap that, like it or not, some people choose to believe as fact. The vast, vast, vast majority of that has to do with Pogba's future at Juventus even though some of us — Hi, my name is Danny Penza — think that there's not much to worry about even as rumors continue to circulate every freakin' day possible.

Consider another piece of Juventus' young yet incredibly important young core, Paulo Dybala, a guy who knows a thing or two about his good buddy Pogba, amongst those who is under the impression that French midfield dynamo will be a Juve player come the start of the 2016-17 season.

"I know him and he is relaxed. When people criticised him at Juve he showed his skills. Pressure doesn't get to him. We all have to wait for the right game to show our skills, and when someone like him doesn't do well it's a bit of a surprise.

"Pogba will remain here. I spoke with him and I believe he will stay. We didn't talk about football but I believe that will be the case."

(Source: Gazzetta World)

Paulo Dybala, already a favorite of many, is now a favorite of everybody because he has the ability to predict the future.

(Side note: I would have loved to be a fly on the wall of that conversation between Pogba and Dybala. If they didn't talk football, did they talk trash about who is better at FIFA16? Who is the better free kick taker? Oh the possibilities...)

We can add Dybala to a list of people who have said Pogba is going to stay. That already includes Juventus director general Beppe Marotta (multiple times over, too), John Elkann as well as a number of Italian media outlets — most notably one of the most reputable ones the country has, Sky Italia — who has reported that Pogba isn't going anywhere.

If it comes to media reporting the same old thing for months — that has yet to be proven to be the truth — or Juventus management and now players saying that Pogba is going to stay, well, I think the decision of who to side with is relatively simple. Others might not, but when Marotta has stated that Pogba is staying put back to last summer. Now you have Dybala chiming in and saying that Pogba, a player who surely he is close to, is going to stay? I know where I'd put my money if I was forced to make a bet about it.

[Socrates 8046]

Juve look at Pogba offers

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86390/juve-look-pogba-offers

Jun 25, 2016

Paul Pogba’s agent will meet with Juventus on Monday to present the proposals from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Mino Raiola will be in Turin on Monday for an encounter with Juve directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici.

Over the last week both Manchester United and Real Madrid have reportedly made huge offers for Pogba that are in the region of €120m.

Raiola will present these proposals to the Juventus chiefs and see if either can proceed to the negotiation stage.

Juve have repeatedly stated that Pogba is not for sale, but at €120m the situation could change.

It’s worth noting the Bianconeri snapped him up as a free agent from Manchester United in August 2012, so any transfer fee would show up in the club books as pure profit.

Pogba is only 23 years old and his price-tag could rise further during Euro 2016, depending on his performances for France.

The meeting with Raiola will also be with regards to a new improved contract that Juventus are offering.

[Socrates 8046]

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane

hints at Paul Pogba interest

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2902058/real-madrid-coach-zinedine-zidane-hints-at-paul-pogba-interest

Jun 26, 2016

Zinedine Zidane has hinted Real Madrid could make a move for Paul Pogba following Euro 2016.

Zidane has previously spoken of his admiration for Pogba, and the France international's agent Mino Raiola said recently preliminary negotiations are already underway with Juventus in order for the player to move to the Spanish capital.

When asked if the 11-time European champions would be interested in signing any Italy-based players the Real coach was coy.

In quotes reported by AS, Zidane said: "At this very moment none, but within a few weeks you'll know."

Meanwhile, it is reported James Rodriguez will meet Zidane for talks about his future at Real, with the likely outcome that he will leave the club.

Rodriguez is a target for Manchester United but his return to preseason will be delayed after he participated in the Copa America Centenario for Colombia who finished third.

[Socrates 8046]

Man United remain keen on

Paul Pogba despite £100m fee - sources

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2903063/man-united-remain-keen-on-paul-pogba-despite-100m-fee-sources

Jun 27, 2016

Manchester United will persist with their attempts to bring France international Paul Pogba back to the club, sources have told ESPN FC.

United sold a young Pogba to Juventus in 2012 before the midfielder had forced his way into Sir Alex Ferguson's first team plans.

But Pogba has gone on to develop into one of the most sought-after players in the world, winning four straight Serie A titles and impressing for both club and country in the past four seasons.

Manchester United are keen to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford, but have been told by Juventus that he could cost up to a world record fee of £100 million.

It could cost Manchester United a transfer record to bring France international Paul Pogba back to the club.

Real Madrid are also interested in Pogba and are widely regarded as the favourites for his signature, but sources have told ESPN FC that United think they have a "50-50" chance of signing the midfielder this summer.

Negotiations are also ongoing between free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic and United following the striker's departure from Euro 2016 and subsequent international retirement.

[Socrates 8046]

Pogba better off at Real Madrid than Barcelona, claims World Cup winner Camoranesi

The former Juventus star claims Madrid's policy of buying individual stars would be better

suited for the France international were he to leave Italian giants Juventus.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/06/28/25111702/-?

Jun 28, 2016

Paul Pogba would be a better fit for Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona, according to former Juventus star Mauro Camoranesi.

The France international has been linked with both Spanish clubs, although the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola claimed earlier this month that talks have begun over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

And Camoranesi, who made over 280 appearances during his time at Juve, believes Madrid would be the best destination for the 23-year-old.

"I see him more a player for Real Madrid because Madrid buys individualities and then adapts them to a way to play,” he told Goal.

“Real Madrid use to buy resolute players, players who can win games on their own. 

“Barcelona already have a structure and they look for players to insert in that system, not individuals, that’s what’s different.”

[Socrates 8046]

Pogba agent blasts Lineker

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86565/pogba-agent-blasts-lineker

Jun 29, 2016

Mino Raiola claims Paul Pogba is “under-rated” and Gary Lineker “hasn’t the slightest idea what he’s talking about.”

The agent spoke to Rai Sport this evening and was asked about a tweet Lineker sent asking if the Juventus midfielder was the most over-rated player in the world.

“When someone is paid to talk about something, that doesn’t mean he knows what he’s talking about. Lineker is one of those.

“Considering the qualities Paul has and the prices I see around Europe, I think Paul is under-rated,” said Raiola.

“How much is Pogba worth? The maximum amount a club is prepared to pay for him.

“Just look at a player who is on the bench of Belgium and Olympique Marseille, but is being sold for €40m.”

The reference was to Michy Batshuayi heading to Chelsea.

“When Gary Lineker talks about Pogba, he hasn’t the slightest idea what he’s talking about. I remember he said if Claudio Ranieri won the Premier League title with Leicester City, he’d present his show in his underpants. That tells you everything.”

Raiola was also asked about rumours Zlatan Ibrahimovic will sign for Manchester United on Friday.

“No decision has been made yet. We are close to a decision, but not yet.”

[Socrates 8046]

The Sale of Alvaro Morata Makes Keeping

Paul Pogba Even More Vital for Juventus

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2648875-the-sale-of-alvaro-morata

-makes-keeping-paul-pogba-even-more-vital-for-juventus

Jun 30, 2016

Paul Pogba has yet to deliver a truly noteworthy performance at UEFA Euro 2016. The France midfielder arrived hoping to lead his homeland to glory with a growing reputation, but he has appeared somewhat overwhelmed in the first four matches.

Les Bleus have a proud record as hosts, but following in the footsteps of former Juventus greats Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane—who inspired victories at Euro '84 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, respectively—cannot be easy.

In the four matches so far, he has done well, but many—including former England striker Gary Lineker—have begun to ask whether the hype surrounding Pogba is misplaced.

 

 

 

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Is Pogba the world's most overrated player?

3:41 PM - 26 Jun 2016

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Newsflash: It isn’t.

At times, Pogba can be guilty of overplaying and deserves criticism for doing so, but he has shown over the past four seasons that he—despite still being only 23 years old—fully merits inclusion in any discussion about the best midfielders in the world.

Since joining the Bianconeri in August 2012, Pogba has made 178 appearances, weighing in with 34 goals and 28 assists. Gradually improving every season, he recorded career highs in both categories this season, with his progress shown in the table below, which was compiled using WhoScored.com statistics:

 

 

WhoScored.com

 

Having previously struggled with knowing when to pass and when to shoot, it is important to note that no player in Serie A recorded more assists in 2015/16 than his tally of 12, regularly channelling his obvious flair into productive creativity.

According to Squawka.com, only Paulo Dybala (73) created more clear scoring opportunities than Pogba (54), while the table below also highlights a marked improvement in his ability to beat opposition defenders:

 

 

squawka.com

 

He completed an impressive 102 of the 166 take-ons he attempted in Serie A last term (61 percent); in 2014/15, that figure stood at just 76, per the same source, and Pogba happily shared the credit for his improvement during a recent interview with L’Equipe (h/t Football Italia):

I’ve always had Coaches who pushed me to do better.

It’s true that sometimes I’ll relax, that’s how it is. Then there are these Coaches who re-motivate you, give you a slap round the back of the head, and yes, that wakes me up.

I have always been asked to play simple. Always! At first I was a striker, then an attacking midfielder and then a defensive midfielder.

Each time I was told to release the ball more quickly, play it more simple.

Did it work? Yes, yes it worked. Little by little, I’ve changed. Before, even if I was further up the pitch I held on to the ball a lot more.

That he has already heeded such advice is of huge credit to him, and his relationship with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is clearly one both men enjoy, often seen sharing a joke but with the coach not afraid to lambast his star pupil whenever he feels it is warranted.

That was evidently the case after the Bianconeri comfortably beatAtalanta 2-0 back in March, with the France international looking subdued after he was shown a yellow card for a foul on defender Rafael Toloi in the 43rd minute.

 

 

 

 

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“Paul Pogba is a player who can make the difference if he plays it simple and is focused,” a visibly angry Allegri told Sky Sports Italia (h/tESPN FC) shortly after the final whistle. “He got booked and let that affect him, so he lost his way in the second half and basically stopped playing.”

The criticism was not only deserved, but it had the desired effect. Benched for the next match, the 23-year-old then enjoyed a fine end to 2015/16, raising the level of his play considerably and having a decisive impact in some key games, highlighted in the graphic below.

 

 

ANDREAS SOLARO/Getty Images

 

Both Pogba’s importance toJuventus and his understanding with Allegri have taken on even greater significance after Alvaro Morata’s hometown side, Real Madrid, announced they had re-signed the striker on their official website last week.

They did so by activating a buyback clause they had inserted in the deal that took him to Turin, something the Bianconeri disclosed on their own website when unveiling Morata in the summer of 2014.

That has robbed the Old Lady of not only one of the brightest and most promising attacking talents on the continent, but—as discussed in this previous post—it also takes away a player who had become a vital weapon for the Italian champions.

While Morata’s exit leaves Juventus looking for a suitable replacement ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, it also pushes Pogba into an even more prominent role both on and off the field.

 

 

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OFFICIAL: @Miralem_Pjanic signs for Juventus on a five-year deal: http://ow.ly/wNRo301dakK  #WelcomeMiralem

6:37 PM - 13 Jun 2016

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If the signing of Miralem Pjanic can be seen as the Bianconeri exerting their dominance over domestic opponents, then this move by Real Madrid can only be viewed as the European elite serving a reminder of how far Italian football has fallen in the wider continental landscape.

Pogba has been linked with a move away almost from the moment he landed in Turin, with Spanish newspaper AS (h/t Football Italia) claiming this week that Manchester United had begun talks over a €120 million bid for the player.

The Serie A champions continue to claim that they will rebuff any approach, as director general Beppe Marotta reiterated over the weekend. “We have not received any offers,” the club official said, per Goal's Alex Fisher. “He is a fundamental and indispensable player for the present and future of Juventus.”

 

 

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

 

That was a view supported by Dybala, who discussed the constant transfer speculation surrounding Pogba—and his below-par performances at Euro 2016—with Fabiana Della Valle of La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I know him and he is relaxed. When people criticised him at Juve he showed his skills. Pressure doesn’t get to him,” the Argentina international said (h/t Gazzetta World). “We all have to wait for the right game to show our skills, and when someone like him doesn’t do well it’s a bit of a surprise.”

“Pogba will remain here, I spoke with him and I believe he will stay” Dybala continued, and keeping that duo together for as long as possible is now even more fundamental to the Bianconeri.

Losing Morata can be forgiven due to the buyback clause, but selling the Paris-born star would send a signal that Juventus cannot retain their best players.

 

 

 

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Paul Pogba Skills,Dribbles,Goals 2015/16 HDhttps://youtu.be/nDcDdUyz1As  @paulpogba @JuventusFansANZ@juventusfces @Juventusfcar @juventusfc

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That is a situation they must avoid at all costs, particularly given the objectives they have already set themselves for next season, with Allegri happy to lay them out at a press conference following last month’s Coppa Italia final.

“We now look forward to the next campaign which will present new challenges, namely the fight for a sixth straight Scudetto, retaining the Coppa Italia and performing well in the Champions League,” the Juve boss said.

For that, they will need Pogba—now more than ever.

[Socrates 8046]

MANCHESTER UNITED TABLE £80M BID

FOR REAL MADRID TARGET PAUL POGBA

Manchester United are eager to sign Paul Pogba, and have even tabled an £80 million

bid for the Juventus midfielder, if reports from the English media are to be believed.

 

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/07/01/manchester-united-table-80-m-bid-for-real-madrid-target-paul-pogba/?

Jul 1, 2016

Juventus’ Paul Pogba is the hottest prospect in world of football at the moment, and there are few clubs that can match the price tag that the Bianconeri have slapped on the Frenchman. Manchester United are among those few and they look to have stormed ahead of Real Madrid in their pursuit for the talented 22-year-old, who was once a part of the Red Devils’s youth set-up before leaving as a free agent to Juventus.

Real Madrid are yet to make their first signing under Zinedine Zidane and are fighting hard to complete a deal that could make Pogba their most expensive signing ever. However, English newspaper The Telegraph claim that Manchester United are now the favourites to land the Frenchman, as they have already tabled an £80 million bid for Pogba. Meanwhile, the Los Blancosare not prepared to pay more than £60 million for the Frenchman, according to The Telegraph’s report.

Juventus have stated that they will not let Pogba leave for anything under €120 million (£100 million). However, the subsequent player and agent demands could imply that a potential suitor for the Frenchman will have to stump up well in excess of €160 million (£130 million), if they are to acquire his services.

Florentino Perez ‘cynical’ over Pogba’s ability

Pogba’s mercurial rise to international prominence at Juventus has left many, and at the very least Manchester United, stumped and spellbound by his potential but it seemingly hasn’t pleased Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.

Perez has never been the biggest admirer of the Frenchman and Madrid are reportedly in the race to sign the midfielder only due to the presence of manager Zinedine Zidane, who believes Pogba could take the Los Blancos to the next level.

The billionaire owner’s cynicism regarding Pogba could work to Manchester United’s advantage in their pursuit for the signing, with Jose Mourinho keen on bringing the midfielder back to Old Trafford.

Pogba – An invaluable addition to the Red Devil’s midfield

There is no questioning the 23-year-old’s ability at the moment, as he is creating waves with Juventus in the Serie A and also internationally with Les Bleus. He would be a gargantuan upgrade on United’s existing class of servicemen in midfield.

Fellow countryman Morgan Schneiderlin hasn’t had the greatest time at the club since arriving from Southampton last year and with an injury-prone Bastian Schweinsteiger, an inconsistent Marouane Fellaini, an ageing Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera the only other options to go with Wayne Rooney, there is no doubt about the kind of quality Pogba would bring to Mourinho’s set up.

Pogba doesn’t have the fondest memories of his earlier spell at Old Trafford, when he graced the youth ranks during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. The midfielder wasn’t given substantial opportunities by the manager to prove his worth and he subsequently left in 2012.

Following what would be one of the most glaring errors by the Scottish manager, Pogba sealed his switch to Turin and has since then built his reputation as one of the best in the business. He may have bitter feelings about his time at the Theatre of Dreams, but with Mourinho at the helm of affairs, a return to the club might turn out to be in the best interests of the player.

A big-money move to Manchester United would undoubtedly prove to be a tempting prospect, but Pogba will miss out on Champions League football in the 2016-17 campaign, as the club only managed to secure Europa League qualification in their last season. You have to lose something to gain something, and it would be interesting to see whether the highly rated Frenchman is ready to bid adieu to the Old Lady.

[Socrates 8046]

Raiola: Juventus Star Is Worth Any Transfer Fee

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/07/raiola-pogba-worth-any-fee/?

Jul 1, 2016

The agent of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has claimed the Frenchman is worth as much money as possible, should Manchester United or Real Madrid want to sign his client.

The 23-year-old, currently on international duty with France at Euro 2016, has been heavily linked with the Premier League or a move to La Liga recently following his excellent performances for the Bianconeri, but agent Mino Raiola won’t let him move unless the price tag is large.

“If you think about the amount that players are going for, say, €40 million for [Michy] Batshuayi, then Paul is underrated,” Raiola told Rai Sport. “Pogba is worth the maximum amount that any club who wants him can pay for him.”

A figure of €120 million was recently suggested for the signature of the former Manchester United man which, although many people thought it was excessive, Raiola believes is a fair estimate of his client’s worth.

Pogba scored 10 goals and assisted a further 16 for La Vecchia Signora last year, however his home for next season could be different come the closure of the summer transfer market.

[Socrates 8046]

Father: 'Pogba chooses his club'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86665/father-pogba-chooses-his-club

Jul 1, 2016

Paul Pogba’s father told Spanish TV that “he chooses which club he wants to play for” amid Real Madrid and Manchester United interest.

Fassou Antoine Pogba spoke to Cuatro television in a piece on the Juventus midfielder’s youth in France.

“What we want is for him to be in the best League. He is the one who chooses which club he wants to play for. That is the situation we are in right now.”

He was asked if Real Madrid made a serious approach to Pogba and his family.

“Yes.”

Meanwhile, the English media continues to claim Manchester United will break the bank to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford.

It would be a remarkable turnaround considering Juve snapped him up as a free agent when his contract expired in 2012.

[Socrates 8046]

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba 'wants

to play in a better league' - father

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2905954/juventus-midfielder-paul-pogba-wants-to-play-in-a-better-league-father

Jul 1, 2016

Paul Pogba's father has claimed the Juventus midfielder "wants to play in a better league."

Pogba is currently on international duty with France at Euro 2016, but that hasn't stopped speculation that he could be on his way out of Turin for good.

Both Manchester United and Real Madrid have made contact over the 23-year-old's availability, with the La Liga side said to be his preferred destination. 

"Sign for Real Madrid? Interesting, yes," Fassou Antoine Pogba told TV station Cuatro, in quotes reported by AS. "What we want is that he plays in a better league

"He will decide on which team he wishes to play and we are considering that now."

Pogba's next appearance could be for France when they take on Iceland in Sunday's Euro 2016 quarterfinal.

[Socrates 8046]

RUMOURS: Man Utd inform Juve of £100m budget for Pogba

The Premier League club are willing to spend a world-record fee for the highly-rated

midfielder and have told the Serie A club how much they would pay on him.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/14222/transfer-talk/2016/07/03/25279352/-?

Jul 3, 2016

Manchester United have informed Juventus of their willingness to spend a world-record fee to bring Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford, according to the Daily Mail.

The Red Devils are in competition with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to sign one of the most coveted players in European football.

And the newspaper reports that Jose Mourinho's men are willing to make him the sport's first £100 million player as they look to build on the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

 

[Socrates 8046]

Paul Pogba to reject Manchester United for Spanish switch?

 

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/transfer-talk/news/

paul-pogba-to-reject-man-united-for-spanish-switch_275995.html

Jul 3, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will reportedly reject a move to the Premier League with Manchester United as he prefers a switch to Spanish football.

The 23-year-old, who is currently on international duty with France at Euro 2016, has been heavily linked with a return to former club Manchester United over the past 12 months.

Pogba's agent is said to have held talks with Juventus last month following weeks of constant speculation over the Frenchman's future, with some reports suggesting that an £80m bid has been tabled by the Red Devils.

According to The Sun, however, Pogba is instead holding out for a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona rather than returning to the club that let him go in 2012 after making just three senior appearances.

It is also claimed that, should he be pushed towards making a switch to England, the Juventus ace would favour a move to Manchester City where he would link up with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

United have already signed Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan is alsoon the verge of penning a contract at Old Trafford.

[Socrates 8046]

POGBA HAPPY WITH FRANCE WIN

BUT SAD FOR TEAM-MATE BUFFON

 

The Juventus star says he felt 'very bad' watching his club colleague cry after Italy's European Championship exit but insists he is happy to have made it through to the last four.

 

http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/pogba-happy-with-

france-win-but-sad-for-team-mate-buffon/1kc4jz2zzwv1p1ilnh3l8o4ltn?

Jul 4, 2016

Paul Pogba has spoken of his delight at reaching the Euro 2016 semi-final with France, but admits he was upset by Italy’s penalty defeat to Germany in their quarter-final.

France overcame Iceland 5-2 at the Stade de France on Sunday with Pogba one of the goalscoreers, and they will now meet Joachim Low’s world champions in Thursday’s semi-final in Marseille after they edged out Italy 24 hours earlier.

And Pogba admits that while Germany will provide a tough test, the same could have been said of Antonio Conte’s side had they progressed.

“I am very happy to be in the semi-final, I cannot cry. I am so happy for this,” Pogba told reporters after the match.

“A semi-final is a semi-final, Italy and Germany are equally tough. Either way, we want to continue so we want to win and both are great sides.”

The Juventus midfielder spared a word for his club colleague Gianluigi Buffon, who shed tears after being on the losing end in Saturday’s memorable shoot-out.

“To see Gigi crying made me feel very bad sat in front of the television,” Pogba added. “He is a great goalkeeper, he gave his best and so did the team. They produced a very good game, but this is football.

“However they have had a fantastic Euros, nobody expected such a great Italian team. I’m not happy with what happened for them. I am truly a player who plays with them so I am proud when they play well.”

The winners of the Germany v France clash will face one of Portugal and Wales in Sunday’s final at the Stade de France.

[Socrates 8046]

Manchester United target Paul Pogba

has 'got everything' - Ryan Giggs

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2907365/manchester-united-target-paul-pogba-has-got-everything-ryan-giggs

Jul 4, 2016

Paul Pogba has "got everything" that he needs to become one of the best, according to former Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs.

Juventus midfielder Pogba, 23, has been linked with a return to United -- the club where he came through the youth system and made seven appearances in all competitions before leaving for Juventus in summer 2012.

And the Frenchman's former teammate Giggs has spoken about Pogba's enormous potential.

"He's a talented player," Giggs told ITV Sport, on the day after he confirmed his departure from the Old Trafford coaching team. "He can shoot with both feet, pass the ball with both feet, and you don't realise how big he is. Physically, he's immense. He's strong, he's quick, and he's got everything."

Paul Pogba has been linked with a return to Manchester United from Juventus.

Pogba is represented by the same agent who has already helped striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and attacking midfielder Henrik Mkhitarayan sign for United this summer, while central midfield is an area that new United manager Jose Mourinho will be looking to strengthen.

And on Friday the Juventus midfielder's father, Fassou Antoine Pogba, claimed his son "wants to play in a better league."

However, Pogba is currently preparing for France's match against Germany in the Euro 2016 semifinals on Thursday.

[Socrates 8046]

Analyzing Paul Pogba’s future

 

http://www.juvefc.com/analyzing-paul-pogbas-future/?

Jul 5, 2016

Juventus have always had a fascination for French players. With 20 players, France is the third most represented country after Italy and Argentina among players to wear the Black & White colours. From Michel Platini to Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram to Patrice Evra, it’s safe to say that the Torinese club have profited a lot from French Football.

In total, 20 Frenchmen have combined to win 63 trophies, playing 1741 games and scoring 374 goals. With a combined total of 4 Ballon d’Ors won between them, Platini and Zidane are widely recognized as the some of the greatest players to play for La Madama. David Trezeguet is the club’s all-time leading non-Italian goal scorer with 171 goals. And then there’s ba ba, who’s being pursued by most of the top clubs across Europe.

 

History

Juve are a club of immense tradition. It has been run exclusively by the Agnelli family since 24 July, 1923. In today’s world where money governs the beautiful sport, the most coveted Italian team have managed to stay strong for 92 years and counting, under the singular leadership of the Agnelli family. Another unique example of their tradition is seen through their policy of transfers. Throughout the club’s 118 year old history, the Piedmont team have never sold a player they regard as important, for economic reasons, unless the player himself requested for a move.

It is a resounding policy considering the fact that they have had many exquisite players that many top clubs have always wanted to sign. This was particularly seen when Zlatan Ibrahimovic wanted to leave the sinking Torinese ship during Calciopoli. He had to pull off so many antics to leave the club who were, at the time, playing in the second division. This was the will of the club during its darkest sporting and economic phase. The will to retain their strongest players despite enduring the loss of many sponsors, the revoking of 2 Scudetti and the demotion to Serie B. And onto Pogba…

Why would the 34 time Italian champions suddenly change their traditional century policy and accept a transfer for their most priced asset without his intention to move, especially when they’re in a supreme position of strength, not only in terms of sporting results but also with regards to finances?

 

What does Pogba mean to Juve ?

Winning 4 successive Scudetti, 2 Coppa and 2 Supercoppa by being a protagonist for seven of those trophies is probably enough to justify that Pogba is extremely important to Juve. Helping Juve remain unbeaten for 156 of the 178 games he featured for the Bianconeri indicates his crucial presence. Scoring 34 goals and making 42 assists in his 14, 068 minutes for the Torinese club proves his decisiveness.

Directly contributing to nearly 28% of Juve’s total goals for the 2015-2016 season despite being a midfielder demonstrates his significance to the club in sporting terms. It isn’t a co-incidence that Juve resurrected their season once Pogba hit top gear and exuded qualities of a leader to steer his team to mark Quenquennio 2.o

On non-sporting terms, Pogba is Juve’s highest paid player earning 4.5 million wages [net] and their most prized  asset. This illustrates that he is their most valuable player and their most important player on all levels. He is fundamental to their success on an economic and commercial level. He is the holder of Juve’s most dear shirt, the number 10, which is mostly given to champions that have created footballing history. La Madama gave Pogba the number 10 because his sporting performances merited it and he helps to raise the brand value of the club by wearing the number.

According to a report by Tuttosport, Juve’s commercial value and marketability is primarily dependent on Pogba for not only this season, but for the next 5-10 years. From his dabbing to his dancing, he draws sponsors, sells merchandise and elevates the commercial value of the club. It is safe to say that he is Juve’s most focal point of their sporting and economic project. An important one that also attracts top players from around the world to play for the club.

All these factors further justify the reasons behind Juve holding him very closely and reportedly having the minimum value of his price tag of over €120 million.

 

 

Juve’s Economic Strength

Juve are growing economically ever since President Andrea Agnelli became the president in 2010. His management has been able to overturn a deficit of over €90 million to a profit of €2.3 million for the 2014-2015 season. This was before injection of a new deal with Adidas and JEEP came into picture.

In accordance with Juve’s official financial report for the first nine months of 2015-2016 fiscal year, the revenues were announced to be €304.5 million with total costs of €277.6 million subsequently generating a positive operating income of €48.1 million before taxes and €36.1 million after taxes. La Madama are projected to generate €360-380 million for the entirety of 2015-2016 fiscal year and make a net profit of €5-10 million.

 

 

Juve’s transfer budget

Until this point, Juve are to pay a minimum of €49.70 million or a maximum of €75.3 million depending on whether the mode of payment for Pjanic was spread over multiple years or a one shot payment. At the same time, until this stage of the mercato, La Madama are to receive a minimum of €44.7 million or a maximum of €68.03 million, depending on whether Alvaro Morata’s buy back clause will be paid in different installments or at a single time.

Automatically, Juve’s net spend at this point of time, varies from a minimum €5 million to a maximum of €30.6 million . This figure is well within Juve’s budgetary constraints for FFP and otherwise, even without including the potential sales of fringe players such as the likes of Mario Lemina, who are reportedly on their way out of Turin. Therefore, the club can easily make room to afford another defender, a midfelder and a striker without even considering the sale of Pogba.

 

Juve’s wage budget

Juve’s net wage budget for 2015-2016 season was €63.8 million while Juve’s net wage budget is currently at €65.5 million. The Bianconeri acquired Pjanic and Dani Alves at a combined reported net wages of 7 million euros while saved wages of €9.2 million with the departures of Morata, Simone Padoin, Martin Caceres, Rubinho and Juan Cuadrado, whose future is reportedly not in Turin.

There is a net difference of only €1.7 million added on to the net wage budget until this stage of the mercato, in comparison to the 2015-2016 season. Considering that some of the reserve players such as the likes of Anderson Hernanes will be departing the club, Juve can reportedly free net wages further up to €15.2 million when they have added only €7 million till now.

Pogba has a current deal till 2019, which sees him earn nearly €14 million excluding bonuses and taxes. According to various reports in Italy, he will be offered an extension by Juve till 2021 which would see him earn €7 million net. Juve’s current net wage budget would subsequently rise to €68 million making it only €4.2 million more than the net wage budget for 2015-2016.

Hence, it is within Juve’s limits to increase their wage cap and offer Pogba the quoted price. The returns are subsequently higher with regards to merchandizing and on a commercial level. Pogba too would be inclined to accept it as he gets a wage hike by €2.5 million net and he can continue to develop further, win and remain a protagonist as a Bianconero.

 

Juve’s perspective

Now that we know about Juve’s economic strength and Pogba’s dependence to them on sporting and economic terms, we know that it isn’t easy for another club to enforce a transfer. Juve are economically strong enough to reject offers for Pogba while he’s adding a lot of value on a sporting and marketing level, which makes Juve want to keep him.

The club’s perspective is and has always been: “Pogba is non-transferable. There is no intention to place him on the market and be involved in negotiations with other clubs over a transfer.” Juve’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta also revealed that the club rejected bids of over €80 million for Pogba from Manchester City and Barcelona last season.

As mentioned earlier, Juve also have a history of keeping their most valuable players without any intention to sell regardless of the number of lucrative proposals that are always up for grabs. It is what makes Juve a “big club”. That being said, it ultimately depends on the player and his will to stay. Like anyone else of a similar caliber before him, if Pogba wants to stay, Juve won’t even entertain discussing financial parameters on the table.

If he wants to leave, Juve won’t force him to stay and they will participate in negotiations with other clubs for him. If he wants to leave, they will certainly set a world record fee that can only be afforded by very few clubs in the world. If Pogba’s intention is to leave, Juve will subsequently monetize on an unimaginable gigantic deal.

 

Pogba’s perspective

Money is always an important factor for any player and that doesn’t exclude Pogba. Juve don’t have the financial resources yet to match the huge wages that may be offered from the top clubs from England, Spain, France and Germany. But the Piedmont club definitely made a huge statement two years back by making him their highest paid player and portraying his worth to them compared to the rest of the team.

There have been many comparisons with Zidane’s move to Real Madrid in 2001. The situation was different when compared to what Pogba is currently experiencing. Zizou was 29, his wife wasn’t happy in Turin and Juve had only won the Intertoto Cup in his last 3 seasons. His wife had previously stated her intention of leaving Turin on many occasions prior to 2001. Juve were still happy to retain Zidane but the 1998 World Cup winner requested to be sold once he was 30.  Perhaps Juve automatically felt he wasn’t that stimulated enough to give his all to the club and saw it as the best opportunity to monetize a lot for him that would enable them to launch a new cycle. He was subsequently sold a year earlier than when he wanted to leave.

Pogba is 6 years younger, he’s a part of the club’s best cycle since the 90’s and he is winning. He is at a club where he is constantly developing at a tremendous rate taking his game to new boundaries. As a man, he has matured and has proven that his shoulders can bear the pressure of lifting the team as a star. He is at a team where he is winning, earning a lot, being valued by the club and its fans. He maintains a close relationship with his coaching staff, his teammates, the president, the directors and the vice president.

Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola also previously represented the vice President of the club, Pavel Nedved. Raiola maintains a great relationship with the leadership of the club. In short, Pogba and his agent are currently happy at Turin and this was also confirmed by his representative in a recent interview to Marca.

The club is also adding players of a high caliber and surrounding Pogba with players that are worthy of accomplishing their 20-year elusive dream of winning the Champions League.

 

Can they lure Pogba?

Multiple media outlets in Italy, from Mediaset to SKY Italia, reported that Pogba’s agent wanted wages of €11-13 million [net], to convince his client to move to Real Madrid. An ambitious high demand on an economic level from his agent to convince the 23-year-old to move to the reigning Champions League winners and perhaps the biggest club in the world. He will probably seek a 5-year deal which would mean that the Spanish giants despite all their stature & success must offer him nearly €150 million [gross] including taxes and bonuses.

That isn’t an easy demand to match, even for a club as big as Real Madrid. That would mean the Spanish giants raising their wage budget for 23-year-old central midfielder that has never won or even played for them, offering excruciating wages that are much higher than those that created history and offered more to the club. This would result in the existing players at the Galacticos to demand higher wages for themselves and may result in causing friction and disharmony among the members of the squad. Hence, a club like Real Madrid would need to think a lot before agreeing to offer Pogba what he seeks, without disrupting the environment and the finances of their own club.

When Pogba’s agent reportedly seeks such high wages from a club of Real Madrid’s stature, it is obvious that he would seek more from clubs that aren’t as big or successful as Los Merenguens currently. Would Pogba agree to move to such clubs, though? He’s at a place where they’re bidding to win the Champions League currently. Would he accept moving to clubs like Manchester United or Chelsea that aren’t even in Europe’s most prestigious competition, and are starting a new cycle under new coaches in an entirely new project with a goal of winning in Europe in 5 years, by when Pogba will be 28?

It would perhaps be wise to wait for the likes of Real or Barcelona when they’re more convinced in him and want him at all costs. Pogba’s agent also stressed in the same interview to Marca, that the sporting project of an interested suitor is of more importance to him than their economic offers for his client.

The probability of Pogba’s agent using other clubs to get a better proposal from Juve to keep him in Turin cannot be ruled out.

 

Conclusion

Considering all the aforementioned factors, the chance of Pogba leaving Juve is very low. Juve are financially strong and in a position to reject the pursuit of others clubs for him. The club is in a position to offer him a reasonable new contract and keep him at their disposal for a longer time, thereby increasing his price tag by a lot more to shield him from potential suitors in the future.

Pogba is in a position where he gets to win, wear the number 10, be the highest paid player, be their most valuable asset, continue to develop at a tremendous rate and be happy in Turin. However, it ultimately depends on his will. If a club meets his economic and sporting demands, he would definitely be inclined to move. But the probability of that occurring in this summer is very minimal.

Pogba’s agent, Raiola would seek the best for his client and work as per his client’s wishes. If Juve want to keep Pogba in addition to satisfying his economic and sporting demands, Raiola would be happy to keep his client at Juve. If Pogba wants to stay in Turin, Raiola would seek out his best interests and look to keep him in Turin as a Bianconero for this summer.

When the three major parties involved: the club, the player and the entourage, are in synchronization honoring each others sporting, economic and moral demands, the likelihood of Pogba moving from Juve to another club is virtually impossible.

[Socrates 8046]

FRANCE EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM POGBA -

LIZARAZU DISCUSSES PRESSURE ON STAR

The former les Bleus star states it is tough for the Juventus man to deal with the scrutiny

at Euro 2016, while he praised Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet.

 

http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/euro-2016-france-pressure-too-much-paul-pogba-bixente-lizarazu/1crlj7ry7tlj71792dh3u0f6n6?

Jul 6, 2016

The pressure on Paul Pogba has been too much for the Juventus star to bear at Euro 2016, said former France full-back Bixente Lizarazu ahead of the nation's semi-final meeting against Germany.

The form of Pogba on home soil has come under constant scrutiny by supporters and media alike, particularly during les Bleus' unconvincing displays during the group stage.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal of the tournament with a towering header in the 5-2 quarter-final victory over Iceland on Sunday, as the host nation produced their best performance of the finals to date.

But Lizarazu, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 during a glittering career, believes Pogba has been inhibited by his billing as one of the potential stars of the competition.

"Pogba has great potential. He has it all - technical quality and physical prowess. The problem is we expect a lot from him and we want to see him at his highest level all the time," he told AS.

"Sometimes, we forget that he is only 23, that there's always development in a footballer. It's not easy for him to cope with the pressure and that's been noticed in the tournament."

Focusing on the rest of Didier Deschamps' squad, Lizarazu was keen to praise the performances of key attacking duo Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet - both of whom have lit up the tournament.

"Griezmann is a player who always looks calm on the pitch. This is not the Griezmann of the World Cup, who was able to play well but wasn't obliged to make the difference," he said.

"He can decide things and he's been doing that. He was key to Atletico Madrid in their big games with Barcelona and Bayern [Munich], and he's done the same in high-pressure games for France.

"Six months ago, Payet wasn't in the squad. It's incredible what he's done. He has played world-class games."

Lizarazu believes France have achieved a minimum objective by reaching the semi-finals but is concerned a lack of cohesion between midfield and defence could cost them against the world champions.

"I think France are where they should be, even though they have suffered more than they would have hoped," said the former Bayern left-back. "It was a mixture of wanting to do things well and being afraid of doing things badly.

"Playing in the semi-finals is the minimum potential of France. They had a simple group and then straightforward knockouts. Until now, they could mistake mistakes, but the semis of a European Championship are another story because a mistake can send you home.

"We've been improving, but some aspects, like the balance between midfield and defence, are key to beating the big teams."

[Socrates 8046]

Man Utd €120m for Pogba

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86948/man-utd-€120m-pogba

Jul 6, 2016

According to Sky Sport Italia and the Daily Mail, Manchester United will offer Juventus €120m for Paul Pogba.

That comes out at over £100m in British pounds at the current exchange rate.

The proposal is to be made jointly by the club and agent Mino Raiola after Euro 2016 has concluded.

Not only would this absolutely shatter the world transfer record, it would also be for a player who left Manchester United as a free agent in 2012.

The wages on offer are also a staggering €13m per season for a five-year contract.

That would essentially be trebling his current salary in Turin.

Juventus have made it clear they do not want to sell Pogba, but could be tempted by the thought of selling a player back to his former club at a €120m profit.