Even though the transfer window is now slammed shut, the transfer rumors and whispers continue to filter through the cracks.
[ MORE: How will the USMNT line up vs. Brazil? ]
Paul Pogba has fueled the fire of uncertainty surrounding his future at Italian champions Juventus, with the gangly French superstar seemingly unwilling to commit his long-term future to Juve.
According to reports in France the midfielder is keen to stay in Turin for one more season before making a lucrative switch overseas.
[ EXCLUSIVE: Geoff Cameron relishes Boston homecoming vs. Brazil ]
Here’s what Pogba had to say to French outlet Telefoot whilst on international duty with France over the past week.
Juventus have already confirmed several bids arrived for Pogba during the summer transfer window, with Chelsea and Barcelona said to be in for the 22-year-old midfielder. A fee of around $106 million, that would be a British transfer record, has been suggested for Pogba’s talents, as the player who was named the Best Young Player at the 2014 World Cup has helped Juve to three-straight Scudetto’s and an appearance in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League final.
The former Manchester United youth team product, who Sir Alex Ferguson let go for nothing in 2012, has now become the hottest property on the transfer market. Another season of success in Serie A and its highly likely that transfer valuation will soar past $120 million and he could rival Gareth Bale as the most expensive player in the world.
There were reports that Barcelona and Juve were in talks to buy Pogba this summer, but the fact that the Catalan club can’t sign any new players until January 2016 due to a transfer embargo, plus a mismatch in valuations is said to have put the deal on hold. When it comes to either Chelsea or Manchester United snapping him up, the former seems more likely, especially given the struggles Jose Mourinho has faced in midfield at the start of the 2015-16 season and reports suggesting Pogba turned down a monster contract at Stamford Bridge this summer. For United, officials there would have to wipe some serious egg off their faces to spend over $100 million to bring in a player they sold for nothing just three years ago. But then again, United’s transfer policy is pretty crazy these days as it seems that whatever Louis van Gaal wants, he gets.
For now, Pogba will remain in Italy. But it’s a pretty safe bet his future lies in another country, as English and Spanish giants circle.