Manchester City have reportedly made contact with Paul Pogba regarding a potential transfer to the Etihad Stadium in what would be an unexpected move. The French midfielder is currently a free agent following the termination of his contract with Juventus in November. Pogba has been serving a doping suspension, which was initially set for four years but later reduced to 18 months. His ban is scheduled to end in March, allowing him to resume his professional career.
As he seeks a new club to continue his playing career, reports from *The Independent* suggest that Manchester City have approached him with an offer to bring him back to Manchester. The club is actively looking to strengthen its midfield, particularly given Rodri’s continued absence, which has created noticeable difficulties for the team. City are reportedly exploring numerous options for midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.
Manager Pep Guardiola has long been an admirer of Pogba and appears to consider the 31-year-old a potentially valuable addition to the squad. The Spanish coach believes Pogba could be a smart acquisition given his experience and skill set. However, the French international is reportedly hesitant about returning to Manchester due to the turbulent nature of his previous tenure with Manchester United.
Pogba spent six years at Old Trafford following his return to the club from Juventus in 2016. During his time there, he experienced mixed fortunes, facing criticism for inconsistency, injuries, and the team’s struggles on the pitch. Given this history, he is reportedly reluctant to return to the city where he faced significant scrutiny and challenges.
Beyond his reservations about Manchester itself, Pogba is also said to be uncertain about rejoining the Premier League as a whole. His past experiences in English football were often marked by intense media attention and scrutiny, which may have contributed to his reluctance to return to the league. Instead, he appears more interested in potential moves to other top European leagues, such as La Liga in Spain, the Bundesliga in Germany, or a return to Serie A in Italy.
Additionally, Pogba has been heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1, with Marseille emerging as a possible destination. The French club has reportedly expressed a strong interest in signing the midfielder, and a move back to his home country might be an appealing option for him.
As the January transfer window approaches, Pogba’s future remains uncertain. While Manchester City’s interest is significant, his preferences seem to lie elsewhere. Whether he ultimately returns to the Premier League or opts for a fresh start in another league remains to be seen.
