Paul Pogba rejects Man City transfer for move abroad

Published 10:51 9 May 2022 BST

Simon Lloyd

Paul Pogba rejects Man City transfer for move abroad

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Pogba is expected to leave the Premier League

Stand down, everyone. Paul Pogba is not set for a controversial move to Manchester City this summer after all. For a couple of days there, it seemed genuinely possible. Pep Guardiola was said to be keen on adding the Manchester United midfielder to his squad on a free transfer; Pogba, having won nothing for his club in five years, was thought to be open to the idea of making the move across town. Despite this, the France international will instead be leaving the Premier League altogether. The Athletic report that Pogba received an enticing offer from City which he gave serious thought to, but has ultimately decided his future lies away from Manchester.

Pogba likely to join one of three clubs

His representatives have informed City he will be moving to a different club, with Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain thought to be his most likely options as things stand. Pogba left United for Juve in 2012, remaining in Turin for four years before returning to Old Trafford in an £89m-deal. Real Madrid have been linked with signing him in the past, as have PSG. The future of Kylian Mbappe could potentially influence which of those two clubs have the best chance of signing Pogba. Like Pogba, Mbappe's contract is set to expire this summer, with Madrid keen on taking him from PSG. If they do, he will earn huge wages in the Spanish capital - potentially scuppering a similar offer for his international teammate. PSG have not given up hope of keeping Mbappe in France, with reports claiming they were due to make a mammoth offer to the 23-year-old to stay. The Qatar-owned club are said to be keen on having a Parisian player on their ranks. Both Pogba and Mbappe fit that criteria but it remains to be seen if PSG would go all out to sign Pogba if Mbappe decides to stay. Some PSG fans protested against a move for Pogba last summer, stringing up banners outside the club's training ground and stadium.

Pogba has endured a difficult season for United

Pogba's last appearance for United came against Liverpool. He was substituted after only a few minutes at Anfield, and may not be back in time for United's final game of the season away to Crystal Palace. In his last appearance at Old Trafford, he was booed off by some supporters when substituted in the 3-2 win over Norwich City.