Paul Pogba's Surprising Maneuver

In a surprising twist, Manchester City has reportedly reached out to Paul Pogba regarding a potential return to the Premier League when his doping ban concludes in March.

This revelation comes from sources close to The Independent, whose chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, indicates that Pep Guardiola is still keen on the 2018 World Cup winner, despite his tumultuous history in English football.

Pogba's Juventus Struggles

Pogba's stint at Juventus came to an abrupt end after he received a ban for failing a doping test in September 2023, leading to his release from the Serie A club at the end of November.

Could City Be the Answer?

With the midfielder's return to action expected in a few months, City's interest raises eyebrows, especially considering Pogba's previous affiliations with cross-town rivals Manchester United.

During his two spells with Manchester United, Pogba had a mixed reception, gathering over 200 appearances, but also facing significant criticism.

The prospect of him donning the Light Blue jersey could offer Pogba a remarkable opportunity to silence detractors and reclaim his status in the football world.

Depth in City's Midfield

City's midfield has been under scrutiny, especially since Rodri's recent ACL injury has exposed a shortage of depth.

Although Pogba plays a different role than Rodri, he could add much-needed strength to the City lineup if Guardiola can persuade him to make the move.

Pogba's Reservations

Interestingly, reports suggest that Pogba may be hesitant about returning to Manchester or even the Premier League entirely, likely due to his mixed experiences.

Instead, he might favor seeking opportunities in leagues like La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga.

Speculation regarding his future has even pointed toward Saudi Arabia, where Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's club, could be eyeing a contract for the French midfielder.

MLS and Other Interests

Additionally, Major League Soccer (MLS) team Los Angeles FC has expressed interest in Pogba, while a European return to Marseille has been mentioned, albeit less likely.

Manchester City's Future Moves

As for Manchester City, they may be pressed to bolster their midfield further, especially with rumors swirling around Kevin De Bruyne's contract situation.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, and there are whispers about a potential exit to MLS as early as January.

Should De Bruyne depart, City would undoubtedly need reinforcements to maintain their competitive edge.

Transfer Window Speculations

Outside of Pogba, City has also been linked with Chelsea's right-back Malo Gusto and may consider selling Ruben Dias to facilitate the signing of Marc Guehi.

As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on City and how they navigate these potential changes in their squad, especially with Pogba's future poised to create a major talking point in the football world.

The Big Question

Could we witness one of football's most controversial transfers? Only time will tell!