Real Madrid: Transfer gambles worth taking for the club
By Avi Nagar
Paul Pogba
The first player on our list is Paul Pogba. The Frenchman is a world-class midfielder. His performance at the Euros speaks volumes about his ability. Pogba’s game didn’t go unnoticed, and he won two man-of-the-match awards in the tournament.
His contract situation makes a transfer to Real Madrid look possible. Pogba’s contract at Manchester United ends in 2022, and he doesn’t seem to extend it further. Moreover, he desires to play for Real Madrid and has been linked to the club a few times before.
What makes this deal worth pursuing is that the core midfield of the club is aging. Modric may retire in 2022, and Kroos has indicated his desire to hang up his boots when his contract ends, which is in 2023. Pogba’s presence in the team can make this transition smoother.
A possible way in which Pogba can come to the club is by a swap deal. With Varane reluctant to sign a new contract, Real Madrid may decide to exhibit a direct swap of Pogba and Varane. This deal looks captivating, but Real Madrid seems more inclined to getting cash, as it can help fund the Mbappe transfer.
What makes this transfer a gamble is a hindrance to the development of younger players. With Odegaard and Valverde likely to get a chance at regular game time, Pogba’s arrival will immediately push them down the pecking order. Real Madrid can’t afford to obstruct the youngsters’ progress and may decide to wait until next summer. Moreover, there are better alternatives to Pogba available in the market.
However, what makes this transfer a gamble worth taking is Pogba’s great marketability and his pedigree of playing at the highest level.