Does he stay or does he go? This is the big question regarding to the United Star Pogba.
The French midfield star’s contract with Manchester United expires in the summer. It currently seems unlikely that it will be extended. Accordingly, the Red Devils are looking for alternatives – and have already found two candidades for the Pogba succesor.
219 games, 38 goals, 49 assists – these are Paul Pogba’s current stats in Manchester United’s kit. After moving to the island from Juventus in 2016, the two parties are likely to go their separate ways this summer. United payed 105 million for him, now he will probably move on free transfer.
But the Ralf Rangnick team seems to have already found his successor candidates. At the top of the wish list: Declan Rice.
The defensive midfielder is currently still pulling the strings at West Ham United, the Premier League surprise team of the season (actually fourth placein the table). The market value of the England international is currently 75 million euros. So Manchester would have to dig deep into their pockets if they want to sign the The Hammers Star. The only problem – West Ham is stubborn and doesn’t want to let his talent go, as he is considered very important for David Moyes side. A tactic to increase his price?
“Dailymail” reports that it can be assumed that United will have to spend the equivalent of around 120 million euros to sign Rice – clearly above the market value. At the same time, city rivals ManCity and Thomas Tuchels Chelsea are also interested in his services. That doesn’t necessarily make it cheaper.
If the things doesn´t go like United planned, they have also a second alternative: Fabian Ruiz (25) from Naples. The Spaniard is one of the top players in Serie A this season, having scored five goals and assisted three in 20 competitive games so far. According to “La Repubblica”, ManUnited is in pole position when it comes to signing the midfielder. Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be interested, but Manchester are leading the race.
Ruiz’ contract runs until 2023. Whether he will extend it is questionable – the offers from Europe are too tempting. So if Napoli still want money for him, they would probably have to let him go until the next summer. According to information from “La Repubblica”, United would be ready to make the move.
It is still unclear where Paul Pogba will switch to. As “Sport” reported in December, the Frenchman was flashed at both Real Madrid and Barça. So it remains exciting at which club star advisor Mino Raiola will place his protégé in the summer. Juventus and PSG are reportedly showing serious interest.