Pogba commits himself to Juve
Paul Pogba has ended speculation linking him with a return to Manchester United by signing a new contract with Serie A champions Juventus. The Frenchman’s previous deal with the Italian giants had been set to expire in 2016, but the midfielder has now committed himself to Juventus until June 2019 after signing a new contract worth a reported £70,000 a week.
The former Manchester United youngster had been linked with a number of European football’s biggest clubs in recent months, most notably a potential return to Old Trafford. This new contract has calmed those fears, however, and Juventus fans will be delighted to know Pogba isn’t looking to leave the Italian champions.
The 21-year old has established himself as one of world football’s most exciting young midfielders since his move to Turin two years from Manchester United, incredibly on a free transfer. The France international’s performances at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil led to him being named the young player of the tournament, only increasing his reputation and rubbing further salt into the wounds of United fans still wondering just how they let a player of his qualities leave Old Trafford. United had been willing to pay a rumoured £60 million to take Pogba back to England in the summer, but Louis van Gaal is now believed to have given up hope of signing the midfielder.
Although Pogba departed United under acrimonious circumstances due mainly down to the lack of first-team chances under Sir Alex Ferguson, the midfielder has refused to rule out a return to Old Trafford one day. There are still plenty of United fans asking themselves just how they didn’t spot Pogba’s immense talent during his two years at the club. Granted, the majority of Pogba’s time at United was spent in the reserves, it’s hard to see how the club felt the Frenchman didn’t warrant an extended run in the senior squad. Juventus certainly saw his talent and wasted little time in snapping up Pogba when it became clear the youngster’s time at Old Trafford was coming to an end.
During his two years at Juve, Pogba has formed a solid partnership with Italian veteran Andrea Pirlo, playing a key role in the club winning back-to-back Serie A titles. That form, along with his contract situation, had seen a number of clubs make serious offers to Juventus in the summer, but the Italians always maintained hope they would agree a new deal for Pogba and have now finally agreed a contract extension. While a return to the Premier League is reportedly something Pogba still harbours ambitions of doing later in his career, the likes of United, Manchester City and Chelsea will now have to focus their sights elsewhere.
Pogba has again been a key part of the Juventus team this season, playing a crucial role in the Old Lady finding themselves as the firm Serie A betting favourites. Following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Sassuolo, Juve bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Palermo to move three points clear at the top of the Serie A table.
