JUVENTUS could only afford to re-sign Paul Pogba this summer if Cristiano Ronaldo retires.
That’s the blunt verdict of European football expert Gabriele Marcotti as the coronavirus pandemic heightens clubs’ financial woes.
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Paul Pogba seems even more likely to stay put at Man Utd now, as even huge clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus might be cutting backCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Three is no suggestion Cristiano Ronaldo is anywhere near retiring – making a Paul Pogba return to Juventus unlikely this summerCredit: EPA
Juve’s Adrian Rabiot, 25, has been linked with a part-exchange deal involving Manchester United’s fellow France midfielder Pogba, 27.
But as Real Madrid target Pogba still has two years left on his Old Trafford contract, Marcotti believes the possible £100milion transfer fee plus huge wages would be beyond the Serie A champions.
He told ESPN FC: “What they’re talking about is some complicated thing where Miralem Pjanic goes to Barcelona and then Pogba comes in.
“I think everything is on hold until they get a clear picture of finances and Pogba is happy at United.
“He would be happier at a United team that was competing for the title.
“But the way his wages are now, I don’t see Juventus making this work, unless Cristiano retires or something, which obviously would be bad for other reasons.
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“I should clarify, the bit about Cristiano Ronaldo retiring, it’s purely hypothetical, I have no suggestion he will any time soon.”
Ronaldo and Co are back in individual training as Serie A aims to resume some time between May 27 to June 2.
League chiefs hope to finish the season by early August – after the Italian government began lifting the lockdown.
Watch Cristiano Ronaldo and son play basketball game inside Juventus forward’s private jet
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
