Manchester City have reportedly approached Paul Pogba over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium, according to a recent report. Pogba, who is currently a free agent, has been without a club since Juventus terminated his contract in November.
The French midfielder is also serving a doping ban, which was initially set for four years but was later reduced to 18 months. His suspension is expected to end in March, allowing him to return to professional football.
As Pogba looks for a new club, The Independent reports that Manchester City have reached out to him regarding a potential transfer. The idea of Pogba making a return to Manchester is unexpected, especially considering his past association with City’s rivals, Manchester United.
City are actively looking for reinforcements in midfield, as Rodri’s continued absence has left them struggling in that department. With the January transfer window approaching, the club is exploring a wide range of midfield options to strengthen their squad. Among the many targets, Pogba has emerged as a potential candidate due to his vast experience and proven talent at the highest level.
Pep Guardiola has long been an admirer of Pogba’s abilities and reportedly sees the 31-year-old as a possible addition to City’s midfield. However, despite City’s interest, Pogba is believed to be hesitant about making a return to Manchester. His six-year stint at United was filled with ups and downs, and he may not be keen on going back to a city where he previously faced significant challenges both on and off the pitch.
Beyond Manchester, Pogba is reportedly cautious about rejoining the Premier League in general. His previous experience in England’s top-flight was not always smooth, and he might prefer a fresh start elsewhere.
At the moment, Pogba is being linked with several clubs across Europe, with La Liga, the Bundesliga, and Serie A among the leagues he is considering. A return to Italy, where he previously played for Juventus, remains an option. Additionally, French club Marseille has been heavily linked with the midfielder, making Ligue 1 another possible destination for him.
While Manchester City’s interest in Pogba is a surprising development, it remains to be seen whether the move will materialize. Given Pogba’s reservations about returning to England, the midfielder might ultimately opt for a different opportunity outside the Premier League.