PAUL POGBA could have made a sensational return to Juventus had the Italian giants’ finances not been hit by the Covid-19 crisis.
Pogba, 27, has been heavily linked with a dream move to the Serie A giants this year according to media outlets in Italy.
Paul Pogba could have made a return to Juventus this summer according to reportsCredit: Getty – Contributor
However, the Italian champions’ coffers, like the budgets of many European sides, have been squeezed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Football expert Fabrizio Romano claimed on a podcast aired on Wednesday that Pog probably would have been a Juve player.
And Romano believes the crisis, which is causing a cash crisis across the continent, made a summer bid for the France international ‘impossible’.
Romano told the Here We Go podcast: “If there was no coronavirus, Paul Pogba today would’ve been playing for Juventus.
“Juve were ready to make an important bid for Pogba but with the financial crisis it was impossible.”
It is thought Pogba’s rumoured £15million-a-year wage demands was off-putting to his Turin suitors.
And it is claimed United, who were after £150m for the World Cup-winner last year, may have been willing to accept an £89m offer and get their money back.
Manchester United are reportedly hoping to tie Pogba down to a new five-year deal Credit: PA:Press Association
Pogba, who began his career at Man United in 2011, made 178 appearances for Juventus from 2012 to 2016, before returning to Old Trafford.
The star’s second Red Devils spell has not been without its controversial moments, with the star coming in for stinging criticism from pundits.
And the World Cup winner hit back at his critics in the past claiming he didn’t the credit he deserved for his performances.
Last season he built an impressive midfield partnership with £55m signing Bruno Fernandes, helping United reach third in the Premier League last term.
However Pogba and his team-mates suffered a surprise season-opening home loss to Crystal Palace.
And Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s players were thumped 6-1 by Tottenham currently led by former Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho.
Last month it was reported Pogba is thought to be stalling a new contract with United, which could see him remain at the club until the age of 32.
SunSport exclusively revealed the France ace was on the verge of agreeing a new five-year deal following his return from an ankle injury.
It is thought Juventus could make another move for the France star, who has two years left on his contract in January.
Man United pair Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard show off ‘double dab’ celebration
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
