Pogba the 100 million pound man?

Breaking summer move intensifying, With speculation surrounding a record- expensive player worthy of becoming the world’s most examines whether Paul Pogba is

IN THE summer of 2012, a 19-year-old Paul Pogba left Manchester United for Juventus in the most acrimonious of circumstances. Having been left disillusioned by a lack of playing time under Sir Alex Ferguson, the teenager joined the Italian giants on a free transfer only to be tarnished with a lot of negative reaction emanating from the Old Trafford camp.

Whilst the young Frenchman’s talent was never in doubt, concerns regarding his attitude were aplenty. The same criticism had been made of fellow Red Devil quitter Ravel Morrison and many doubted whether either would ever realise their true potential.

However, while ‘unfulfilled potential’ is largely a very apt summary of Morrison’s stuttering career, Pogba has emerged as one of the game’s greatest talents. Those perceived attitude problems were actually little more than self-belief from the confident midfielder, a conviction that has been more than vindicated during the interlude since his Premier League departure.

Still not 22 until March 15, Pogba was instrumental in helping Juventus to two Serie A titles under former boss Antonio Conte. A starring role alongside Andrea Pirlo at the heart of the Bianconeri’s midfield allowed the young prodigy to really develop his technical game, whilst his physical growth has also enabled him to emerge as one of European football’s most consistent performers.

Those dominating displays rightly earned inclusion to France’s World Cup squad and the midfielder certainly grabbed his chance to thrust himself into the global spotlight. Les Bleus’ star was a driving force behind the team’s run to the quarter-finals and those performances saw him land the young player of the tournament award. He additionally opened the scoring in the win over Nigeria, with his first tournament goal.

Pogba’s place amongst the world’s top stars had been secured, but what makes his accomplishments even more impressive is the rapid rate of that rise to prominence. Just one year earlier, he had led France to the U20s World Cup title in Turkey, being named best player at the event too. Over the space of two years, a promising boy had evolved into a man. However, his continued development was far from over.

Upon returning his attentions to club side Juventus, now coached by Massimiliano Allegri, Pogba has thrived. The new Bianconeri boss was quick to build his side around the 21year-old and his contributions have been central to the team’s success both domestically and in the Champions League. As well as dictating play, the Frenchman has also added goals to his game, chipping in with six by the season’s midpoint.

The majority of Italian football followers would agree that Pogba has been the division’s number one performer this term and those talents will almost certainly be rewarded with a third straight Scudetto crown. If that is to be the case, the young star would be well within his right to deem his cycle in Turin over.

Pogba certainly wouldn’t be short of potential suitors and the war for his signature is already fierce. However, agent Mino Raiola has openly declared that it would probably take a world record bid to tempt Juventus into selling.

Three years of service followed by a ninefigure profit would have to be considered brilliant business for the Turin giants. However, Raoila’s statement would limit the player’s next move to just a handful of destinations.

Assuming he does leave, the chief reasoning behind the decision will be Pogba’s ambition. Despite his brief time in the game, the spirited midfielder has proven his determination to be the best on a number of occasions.

He may be a target for cash-rich Paris SaintGermain,who could be tempted to bring him back to his homeland.

A move back to Manchester has been mooted, with both United and City showing interest.With Ferguson retired, a switch back to Old Trafford might not be impossible and there is absolutely no doubt that Pogba is the type of player that Louis van Gaal would love to have at his disposal. However, it’s the blue half of Manchester that could probably offer the player the sort of riches that he craves both on and off the pitch.

Theoretically, Pogba’s ability in both attack and defence would make him the perfect long-term successor to midfield stalwart Yaya Toure and could be the man to usher in an era of Citizens’ dominance. The Etihad crowd would certainly afford him the desired levels of adulation, whilst leading the club to a first ever Champions League triumph would provide a tantalising challenge for the accomplished midfielder.

If it’s a transfer record that is going to be smashed, though, you cannot rule out Real Madrid. Rumours of a move to the Bernabeu have been raised from whispers to genuine talks, but it is unknown as to whether the Champions League holders would want to introduce another shake-up to a midfield that received a huge overhaul just last summer. Nevertheless, Pogba does possess both the talent and star attraction to thrive in the Spanish capital and may well see the world’s biggest stage as the perfect place to ply his trade.

Clasico rivals Barcelona would be interested, especially as diminutive duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta approach their final years. However, a transfer ban means that Pogba would have to wait at least another year for that potential move to become anything other than a pipedream. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Bayern Munich could be tempted, but would probably be better suited spending that sort of money