Overall a Pogba-Verratti swap deal could be a win for all involved, but pieces do not always fit like they should.
Whenever a star player is failing to live up to expectations, rumors will swirl. Paul Pogba is suffering through a tough spell on the pitch. As Manchester United’s record signing, it is getting a great deal of attention.
Pogba has seemingly been in Jose Mourinho’s doghouse since late January. Since that time, the French star has found himself subbed off early or not in the starting eleven on multiple occasions. Pundits and players alike have weighed in on the reasoning behind the apparent rift. Team Pogba supporters point to Mourinho’s tactics not playing to the midfielder’s strengths. On the other side, Mourinho supporters point to Pogba’s attitude and lack of effort as the problem.
While there may be truth on both sides, it is apparent the situation is not good for the club. This has brought about several articles on a potential exit for the player. One rumor brought up the option of a swap with PSG for Italian midfielder Marco Verratti.
This rumor should be taken lightly as there are no reliable sources to vouch for this idea, but what if there is even a sliver of truth to this? Does it make sense for both the players and the clubs?
Pogba
For Paul Pogba, this would be a mixed bag. The most important part for him would be an escape from his current situation. In Paris, he would be heading home to France where he remains a popular figure.
The attacking firepower Paris Saint-Germain boasts would fit his skill set very well. With players like Neymar and Mbappe to run the channels, his creative genius would be set free. Playing behind the aforementioned duo and super predator Edinson Cavani, Pogba would have plenty of space to operate. This would allow him to use his touch and vision to reward the attackers runs with his precision passing.
The downside for Pogba, is a move to PSG would be viewed as a step down by many. Paris Saint-Germain is working hard to earn a place at the table of the elites. While Manchester United has not dined at that table for years, their history has given them a semi-permanent status with the Real Madrids and Barcelonas. United can make an argument for being the biggest club in the world, PSG is not close to that conversation at this time.
Even if Pogba dominates in Paris, the skepticism will turn to the perceived lack of strength of Ligue 1. Performing heroics against what critics will label as “inferior competition” will do little to raise his status. He will have to provide the goods in the Champions League, and even that may not be good enough.
Verratti
Marco Verratti would more than likely find this move to be a great one for him. He has a skill set that would be appealing to Mourinho’s tactics. He is a deep-lying playmaker who reads the game well and can transition the ball from defense to attack with his long-range passing ability. This ability plays perfectly in United’s current counter attack setup.
With United’s more compact defending, Verratti would have less space to cover in the defensive setup than he currently has in Paris. He would also find himself positioned as part of a two-man defensive midfield compared to his current right-sided position in a three-man midfield. This will give him greater access to influencing the action on the pitch by placing him into a more central location. With a defensive minded partner like Matic by his side, Verratti would have the means to flourish.
A move to Manchester United would be a step up for the reasons moving to PSG would be a step down for Pogba. His short compact build would make him suitable for the physical play in the midfields of the Premier League, and the global reach of the PL would introduce his talents to more fans.
The downside for Verratti would be a potential departure by Mourinho. Mourinho’s history has been one of spending a few seasons at a club and moving on. With year two coming towards a close, he may not be at Manchester United in another season or two. This becomes a potential negative for Verratti depending on who the replacement manager would be, along with his preferred style of play.
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The Clubs
For PSG, this would be a coup nearing the Neymar capture. One of France’s biggest stars coming home provides endless possibilities. It would be a marketing dream in France, while extending their reach outside. While Verratti is a talented player, his status outside of France and Italy is well behind Pogba’s stature.
Pairing Neymar and Pogba would provide Paris with two of the game’s biggest stars. For a team with aspirations to be on the level of the elites, this is one way to expand their brand. The on the field product should improve as well. As previously mentioned, Pogba’s skill set could unleash an incredible attack on opponents. For Paris, this could be the final piece they need.
Manchester United is the team with the biggest opportunity for loss in this deal. If Pogba were to go to Paris and make them one of the most feared attacks in the game, there would be blowback for not unleashing his talents.
Verratti would have to come in and help them win the Premier League or make a very deep run in the Champions League to overcome that. This may prove difficult with Manchester City the obstacle to the league, and European draws can give you an unfortunate match up after the group stage.
United, as mentioned before, could come out very well in this deal as well. Verratti may be the player needed to unlock the talent in their attack. If his passing can help them generate more chances than United fans will probably be pleased.
Next: Manchester United ready to sell Pogba
Overall this swap deal could be a win for all involved, but pieces do not always fit like they should. Players and managers come and go changing the whole dynamic of a team. Talk in March means nothing, but there is little doubt both players will continue to be featured in transfer rumor pages as spring turns to summer.