Bayern Munich and Juventus have reportedly tabled their offers for Paul Pogba as the midfielder inches closer to a Bosman exit from Manchester United.
According to Daily Mirror, Juventus have put themselves in pole position by tabling their offer for Paul Pogba. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will also be in the hunt for the French international, who will be available on a free transfer when his Manchester United contract expires in the summer as he ponders a move away from the Premier League.
Paul Pogba has had a tricky career, as he shined at Juventus early on but has failed to live up to expectations at Manchester United. As problems with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson reached their peak, the Frenchman then decided to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer to Serie A, where he made his mark.
His performances prompted Manchester United to pay a then-record transfer fee of £89 million to bring their youth player back. However, things have not gone so well for either party, as Pogba has never really settled at Manchester United and is on course to depart from Old Trafford in a Bosman move once more.
It is ironic that Juventus are in the hunt to sign him on a free transfer, having done so many years ago. They are joined by Bayern Munich, who are keen on signing the midfielder to improve their team, while the prospect of signing one of the most highly sought-after players in world football on a free transfer entices both clubs.
Recent reports suggested Pogba had the chance to join Manchester City, although the midfielder has rejected that opportunity, citing his allegiance with Manchester United. Pogba may have wanted to join Real Madrid, and despite multiple reports claiming such a move could be possible, things have not gone as per plan.
Real Madrid rejected the idea of signing Pogba recently, as they are focused on strengthening other areas of the pitch, such as signing the Manchester United midfielder’s compatriot Kylian Mbappe. This leaves Bayern Munich and Juventus in pole position to sign the midfielder on a free transfer.
Bayern are known not to break their wage structure, and they may not be able to offer Pogba favourable terms. Juventus, on the other hand, have tabled a package which has a base salary less than what the midfielder earns currently, although the bonuses and a big signing on fee are likely to close the gap.
Juventus wanted Thomas Partey to shape their midfield, but Arsenal are unwilling to sell the Ghanaian midfielder this summer. The Arsenal star may have been an expensive acquisition anyway for the Serie A giants, while Pogba is an overall cheaper alternative.
Pogba also knows the Serie A club very well, having spent a considerable time in Turin. Bayern Munich’s offer could also be under consideration as there is the likelihood of winning trophies regularly, and the Bavarians boast a higher chance of achieving European success.
However, at Juventus, Pogba could assume a more important role and become a central part of Massimiliano Allegri’s midfield plans for next season. It remains to be seen if the Frenchman is receptive to their offer and where he decides to play his football next season as he inches closer to an exit from Manchester United in the summer.
Bayern Munich would never be interested in that BUM!