Unexpected luck came to Paul Pogba, who became a free body.
The British Independent reported on the 15th (Korea time) that Manchester City is seeking to recruit Pogba. The Independent reported that `Manchester City looking for a central midfielder is considering Pogba as a potential alternative, but Pogba is in an uncomfortable situation returning to Manchester as he played for Manchester in the past.'
Pogba announced his separation from Juventus on his SNS on the 16th of last month. Pogba said, `There are many times when things in the world don't go the way we want them to, but I can't forget the bond with the fans.' `You have given me so much beyond words, and I will always keep all the love you have given me.' Then 'You will be in my heart forever. 'Good luck' tagged Juventus with the post.
Prior to this, Juventus announced on the 15th that it had mutually agreed with Pogba to terminate the contract as of the 30th of this month. Juventus and Pogba's contract was due in June 2026. It will be released as a free agent (FA) from the 1st of next month.
Pogba is in the biggest crisis of his career. Last year, he was suspended for four years for doping violations. Pogba was in shock. In a statement, he was informed of the decision of the Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal. I believe the verdict is wrong.'"Everything I have built up in my professional career has disappeared. It's sad, it's shocking, it's heartbreaking." And as a professional player, I did nothing to improve my performance using banned drugs. I have never ignored or deceived my fellow players and supporters of the team I played for," he stressed that he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Pogba's testosterone was detected in a drug test conducted immediately after the opening match of Serie A home in the 2023-2024 season against Udinese on August 20 last year. Pogba asked to test B samples as well, but the results remained positive. Testosterone, known as a male hormone, improves endurance. It is one of the leading banned drugs designated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The four-year disciplinary action will be applied retroactively from September last year when Pogba was suspended after testing positive for testosterone. As a result, he will not be able to play until September 2027, when he turns 34.
Pogba, a Manchester United youth, blossomed at Juventus. When he was put back in Manchester United's arms in August 2016, the transfer fee was 89 million pounds (about 150 billion won). It is the highest ransom ever for Manchester United, which has not been broken to this day. He peaked at the 2018 World Cup in Russia by presenting the trophy to France. In the final against Croatia, he scored the winning goal and emerged as a `national hero.'
But Pogba had some privacy controversy. He returned to Juventus in July 2022, but failed to perform properly due to injuries. He was suspended for four years for taking prohibited drugs and fell into the worst crisis.
Recently, a new way to return has been opened. The CAS hearing in October drastically reduced the ban on anti-doping, which was predicted to be four years, to 18 months. The situation changed rapidly when CAS ruled that Pogba had accidentally taken the drug, not intentionally. CAS said in its final ruling that Pogba accidentally took DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone. The tide has changed, with CAS announcing that DHEA only affects women.
Pogba, whose ban began on September 11, 2023, will be able to resume training from January 2025, a 5,000-euro fine has been reduced, and will be able to play on the ground again from March next year.
Pogba, who was terminated from his contract with Juventus, is receiving a lot of love calls when he becomes an FA. Multiple clubs in the Middle East and the United States, as well as Europe, are interested in recruiting. Recently, Jesse Lingard drew attention by pointing out Pogba, who played with Manchester United, when asked to select an overseas player he wanted to bring to the K-League. Lingard and Pogba are famous as best friends.
Pogba was definitely a star. Stories related to him are already pouring in. 'Legends' Graham Souness opposed Pogba's return to the English Premier League. In a team talk, Souness said "He's got a lot of talent, but he's acted like he's sitting in an armchair "He's a lazy player. The midfielder has to endure everything, but he is mentally lacking."
Pogba is expected to start building his body at Carrington Training Center with the help of Manchester United. Belgium's Sasha Tabolieri reports that "Pogba trains in Carrington from January 2025" United gave Pogba special consideration.
In this situation, he was connected to Manchester City. Manchester City have recently fallen into their worst slump. Pep Guardiola has fallen into a losing streak that he has never experienced in his leadership career. He has lost one win, two draws and seven losses in the last 10 games, including five consecutive losses. It has fallen to fifth place in the league, and it is impossible to guarantee a place in the round of 16 in the European Champions League.
As expected, the absence of Rodri 'Ballon d'Or WINNER' is crucial. Rodri is at the heart of Manchester City. The difference in results fluctuates depending on whether he is present or not. Rodri collapsed last September with an injury. It was actually a season out. Rodri has won the Ballon d'Or in the meantime and has been recognized for his efforts, but Manchester City have recently realized Rodri's absence.
In addition, other resources are aging, and injuries and sluggishness are repeated. Gary Neville said "It's not just Rodri's absence." "I don't want to use the word withdrawal, but they look like that," he said. "Getting older together, playing many games together, is too much of a physical and mental burden."
British media said Manchester City would open its wallet in the winter transfer market. Guardiola said on Sky Sports that `All I want is my players coming back, who were fiercely competing at the beginning of the season,' `. I think returning is a priority over recruiting, but in the current situation, recruiting is a must, not an option.
That's why Pogba is on the list. Manchester City's top target is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Subimendi. Subimendi, who was born in 1999, has attracted attention by playing as a key resource for Real Sociedad since the 2020-2021 season. He was called the "second Xavi Alonso" because of his sophisticated passes, repression capabilities, and excellent defense. He also played an active role in the last Euro 2024 and contributed to Spain's victory.
Subimendi got the attention of English clubs. Liverpool, which wanted to reinforce its midfield last summer, was active in recruiting Subimendi. He expressed his intention to pay until the buyout, but he failed to achieve his goal with Real Sociedad, especially Subimendi. Arsenal were also interested in signing Subimendi, but turned to Mikel Merino.
Man City could pay £50.3m for Subimendi's buyout. But the cheaper Pogba card is definitely attractive. Pogba played for Manchester United after playing for Manchester United Youth. Of course, it was not a good memory. Pogba maintained an uncomfortable relationship with Jose Mourinho and was criticized by fans several times. It was less than half of the amount Manchester United invested in. To make matters worse, he left on a free contract and failed to recover the transfer fee. Pogba also clearly remembers the situation at the time. That's why I don't want to go to Manchester City.
The Independent said 'Man City is struggling under Guardiola. The results of the EPL secretariat's indictment will come out in February, 'Guardiola has liked Pogba in the past and still appreciates him. Guardiola has also shown interest in Manchester United in the past. Guardiola said Pogba sees it as a potential solution for Rodri.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
