Manchester United might have to do a major makeover in the midfield next season, as this summer could see a host of departures in the position group. Michael Carrick is set to retire, while Paris Saint-Germain have been in contact with Mino Raiola, the agent of Paul Pogba, about a potential deal, “for months” reportedly.
Meanwhile Marouane Fellaini has rejected any contract extension offers, and looks set to leave in June- potential to China or America. All in all, it looks like United might have to do some midfielder shopping this summer, in order to replace their potential losses.
According to an ESPN source, “Raiola has spoken with a number of clubs about the possibility of landing the 25-year-old midfielder and the Ligue 1 champions are one of them…The source confirmed that PSG and Raiola have been in contact for the past few months over Pogba and that the possibility of a summer switch to Parc des Princes has been raised.”
The £89.3 million man is one of eight players we see with a significant chance of leaving Old Trafford this summer (go here for the full list), but given his super salary, potential destinations are limited. The Frenchman, if he does move, only has the big money clubs as possible landing spots; for obvious reasons.
It’s been difficult to read this situation all season long, because while it’s clear that Pogba isn’t really working out at United, and not living up to those sky high expectations, there’s been a ton of fake news published about him. Pogba has been very inconsistent, and his style just doesn’t seem to gel too well with that of Jose Mourinho.
Raiola revealed very recently that he offered Pogba to Pep Guardiola and Manchester City during the January transfer window.
If United do indeed sell him to PSG, sending another player who broke a transfer fee record to the French capital, let the Angel Di Maria comparisons flow.
As for Fellaini, it seems that he go on a free and thus follow the money wherever it goes- staying in England (returning to Everton even?), or the USA, China, Italy, Turkey, wherever the road could take him. Go here for more on that.
NBC Sports writes that Fellaini “is being linked to moves to Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League, as the veteran aims to secure a sizable contract upon leaving the Red Devils after over five-and-a-half years with the club.”
“The Daily Mail is also reporting that Fellaini would be open to hearing options that could keep him in the Premier League, although it is unclear if there is any serious interest from English sides at this time.”
It’s definitely going to be a very interesting summer window for United and their fans.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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