Mino Raiola, the most powerful agent in European football, left Manchester United shellshocked on Monday after revealing Paul Pogba’s mixed spell at the club has come to a dramatic end.
Tuttosport released an interview with the controversial broker, who confirmed to the Italian publication that the 27-year-old may re-join Juventus in the future after his Old Trafford exit.
‘The important thing is to want it,’ he said. ‘The relationship with the club and with his former companions is excellent.’
A potential return to Juventus for Paul Pogba is possible after Mino Raiola’s latest bombshell
Raiola, Pogba’s representative, insisted that the superstar’s time at Manchester United is over
Raiola’s explosive comments hinted towards negotiations that have long since branched out largely in secret.
It is unlikely that Pogba’s sale would come close to 100 million euros (£90.7m), and his price tag will also plummet further over the coming months due to the financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Juventus are certain to have to spend at least 55-60 million euros (£49m-£54m) instead to seal the deal, which may also be bolstered with the inclusion of several players. Aaron Ramsey, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabot and maybe even Paulo Dybala could be used as a makeweight.
Either way, it is understood that Juventus already have a strategy in mind to reunite with World Cup winner Pogba.
Juventus are understood to have a strategy in mind to broker Pogba’s Old Trafford departure
THE KEY MEN IN NEGOTIATIONS
Andrea Agnelli and Paulo Nedved have become more lenient towards buying back former players, despite having initially banned past moves in that vein.
Alvaro Morata returned to Turin after playing for Real Madrid, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, and has realised he is most suited to the Serie A giants.
Leonardo Bonucci and Gianluigi Buffon are other examples of key performers heading back to Juventus – and Pogba could become the next player to follow in their footsteps.
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli is interested in re-signing Pogba after relaxing his policy
He has retained good relationships with key figures at the club, particularly Buffon and Bonucci, with whom he reportedly chats with on WhatsApp.
It is no mystery Pogba also enjoys close friendships with his former team-mates, as revealed by Sportsmail last year, and has visited them while holidaying in Italy.
The recent quotes from Raiola will only further fuel Agnelli’s hopes of striking a switch.
ANDREA PIRLO IN LOVE WITH POGBA
Andrea Pirlo has played alongside the United superstar in the past and now dreams of being able to coach him, it is believed.
When the wily former midfielder was asked by Juventus about potential transfer targets, he responded with the names of Morata and Pogba. The latter’s playing style is a perfect blend of determination, ability and strength, making him an ideal candidate for Pirlo’s new-look team.
The 24-hour dialogue between Pirlo and his players, which also extends from every member of his coaching staff, would help fulfil Pogba’s desire for attention.
The Old Lady’s coach plans to use Pogba in a 4-3-3 or as a central midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system. It is hoped his presence would help the team to become more aggressive and dynamic.
Andrea Pirlo, a former team-mate of Pogba and Juventus’ new boss, wants to coach the star
‘HERE I’M LIKE FAMILY’
Pogba attended the farewell party for Andrea Barzagli, the long-serving Juventus defender, last December. The two players spent plenty of time together over the course of four years.
Tuttosport have claimed Pogba has announced: ‘Here I’m like family’ during these reunions with Juventus players in Italy. The cultured midfielder has not forgotten about his successful spell there and there is a mutual desire between both parties to make it happen again.
Gianni Agnelli, the charismatic leader of the club until the 2000s, proudly insisted: ‘Every time I read the letter J, I get a jolt. Because Juventus is not part of my life, but my life.’ His remark underlines the feeling that Juventus is like a family. The club possess a sense of belonging for everyone associated with it.
Pogba is thought to share this sentiment towards his former home. He is known to love Italian cuisine and fashion, and could often be seen travelling around Turin to go shopping in his supercar. His lavish way of living is perfectly suited to Juventus.
Pogba is claimed to have admitted he feels like he is home at Juventus amid recent speculation
BLACK AND WHITE IS IN POGBA’S HEART
During the past season, Pogba was seen wearing a Juventus shirt in one of his Instagram stories, which sparked controversy and confusion among the fanbase of his current club.
But the relationship between him and Juventus’ supporters remains strong, considering they have shown him plenty of love and affection over the years.
Any potential switch back to the club would not be hampered by his wage packet, either. Sami Khedira, Ramsey and Dybala may find themselves directed towards the exit door in the future, which would free up funds to match Pogba’s demands.
The relationship between World Cup winner Pogba and the Juventus fanbase remains strong
POGBA’S FRIENDSHIP WITH DYBALA
Pogba has remained very close friends with Dybala. The two were known to celebrate goals exuberantly together during their shared time on the field and both their futures have arrived at eerily similar crossroads.
They are both close to the expiration of their contracts, both are the same age, and both are likely to become key names in the chaos of the next transfer market.
A swap deal is a potential avenue for them. Dybala was heavily linked with United a year ago, but the switch failed to materialise. Had it happened, then the two players would have been reunited again.
As it stands, this scenario is still on the cards for the 2021/22 campaign, although that year may also coincide with Dybala’s departure from Turin – and Pogba’s return.
Pogba has stayed close friends with Paulo Dybala and the duo may soon reunite again in Turin
WHAT CAN JUVENTUS OFFER OVER OTHERS?
Pogba’s return to the Allianz Stadium is no longer a dream, but is becoming an increasingly concrete possibility with each passing day.
The club are known to pamper their players, and protect them, by handing them expensive bonuses and contributing to their lives of luxury. Winning the league is rewarded with individual cash prizes, and access to a discounted fleet of sleek cars.
Benedikt Howedes endured a difficult time at Juventus, but has since recalled being gifted a Ferrari.
‘The team spirit at Juventus is sensational,’ he said. ‘I was extremely impressed with the way it compares within it.
The return of Pogba to Juventus is an increasingly concrete possibility with each passing day
‘Some legends like Buffon and Chiellini came to support me and greet me by hugging me like I had been there for years. It was an overwhelming feeling that left me breathless.
‘The year before I arrived in 2016, the whole team received a Ferrari as a prize for winning the Scudetto and those who didn’t want the car received a financial consideration.
‘This shows what level we are talking about. From that experience I carry the memory of having played in one of the most important clubs in the world.’
This treatment and attitude towards their stars will only bring Juventus and Pogba closer together as his Premier League exit looms larger.