Manchester United have slapped a whopping £155 million price-tag on star midfielder Paul Pogba, who is courted by Real Madrid.
Manchester United have set a jaw-dropping £155 million asking price for star player Paul Pogba, who has been the subject of interest from European champions Real Madrid, as reported by The Sun.
Los Blancos‘ returning boss Zinedine Zidane is reportedly keen on a major squad overhaul in the summer and Pogba is believed to be high on the Frenchman’s wish list as he looks to kickstart a new era at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
This comes as no surprise as Real Madrid have struggled in the midfield department this season, especially with Luka Modric failing to live up to the expectation. Indeed, the Croatian international hasn’t been able to provide consistent performances after winning the Ballon D’Or last year. And at the age of 33, rest assured he is nearing the final phase of his career.
In addition, Toni Kroos has lacked identity under the reigns of both Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui, which, coupled with transfer speculations linking Federico Valverde to a move away from the Bernabeu, accentuates the need for a new midfielder and that’s where Pogba could come into the fray.
Easily one of the most scrutinized Premier League players in recent times, Pogba has enjoyed a rich vein of form under Manchester United’s new coach Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer, who has managed to instill confidence in the France international and assign him a free-flowing role in midfield.
As a result, Pogba has thrived under the Norwegian, especially in the final third where he has often eased United’s transition from midfield to attack while his immaculate control on the ball has aided his role as a ball-carrier in half spaces.
Pogba could be utilized in Madrid’s midfield trio alongside Casemiro and Kroos. But, alternatively, the 26-year-old can feature in the double pivot, thus providing Zidane with more tactical choices in midfield.
On the flip side, however, the Frenchman has also lacked consistency, which was evident in his dreadful performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers this week. This raises doubts over his credibility and whether or not he will be able to cope with Real Madrid’s soaring expectations.
Furthermore, it is likely that Isco could find his old rhythm following the return of Zidane. The former Malaga star enjoyed immense success under the Frenchman and we could expect Isco to continue to play a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s creative department next season.
That means the Spaniard is likely to occupy the attacking midfield slot or even the central midfield, which could make it difficult for Pogba to play in his preferred free-flowing role in midfield.
Therefore, a move to Bernabeu may not be the most prudent of decisions not just for the player but for the club as well, who will definitely have a busy time when the transfer window reopens in July.
