Real Madrid emerge as likely suitor for Manchester United superstar
Real Madrid can offer Paul Pogba sanctuary
It’s no secret that Paul Pogba isn’t a perfect fit for Jose Mourinho’s plans at Manchester United. Fortunately for the French star, Real Madrid have emerged as an interesting suitor for his services this summer.
Reports from England claim that Mourinho is pushing Ed Woodward to spend a mountain of cash this summer. In particular, The Special One is targeting four additions to help close the gap with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City machine. Curiously, three of Mourinho’s prime targets currently ply their trade for Zinedine Zidane.
Specifically, United are interested in adding Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane. All three are very important members of Real Madrid’s squad. Even if United were to make massive transfer offers for all three, it’s very likely Los Blancos would elect to hold on to the talented trio.
That cold reality is what brings Pogba into the equation. Money enough won’t be alone for United to pry top end talent away from the La Liga giants. Inserting a prime talent like Pogba into the discussions would soften Real’s demands instantly.
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In truth, Pogba’s value should be higher to Real Madrid. Zidane is perfectly happy to employ three midfielders at a time which would provide Pogba with the perfect formational home. Mourinho strongly prefers to adhere to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Pogba lacks the defensive discipline to play in Mourinho’s double-pivot and the recent acquisition of Alexis Sanchez prevents him from serving as United’s number 10.
On the contrary, he’d slide nicely into a Real Madrid midfield that desperately needs more balance. Zidane has quite a bit of skill in his midfield trio, but he lacks athleticism. Pogba isn’t going to solve all of his countryman’s defensive problems, but he would give Zidane quite a bit more tactical flexibility.
The only real question is whether or not Mourinho and company are willing to admit some measure of failure with Pogba. Moving him so soon after his arrival will call the club’s transfer policy into serious question. In fairness, swapping him for a world-class midfield replacement would silence many critics.
Next: Mourinho believes United star will stay put
The odds still favour United hanging on to Pogba this summer, but if he does move on, Real Madrid certainly are the most likely destination. They have the money and prestige to satisfy Pogba and his representatives. More importantly, they have players that United would covet in what could easily become one of the most sensational swap deals in European transfer history.