Transfer Centre

Paul Pogba 'waiting on Zinedine Zidane move before deciding future'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 11 June 2022

Pogba 'waiting on Zidane move before deciding future'

Paul Pogba is reportedly waiting to see if Zinedine Zidane will be appointed as Paris Saint-Germain's new manager before making a decision on his future.

Paul Pogba is reportedly waiting to see what comes of Paris Saint-Germain's pursuit of Zinedine Zidane before deciding on his future.

The France international's departure from Manchester United as a free agent was confirmed earlier this month, bringing an end to his second spell at Old Trafford after six years.

Real Madrid were initially considered the favourites to sign Pogba on a free transfer, but Los Blancos have instead turned their attention to Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni.

Since Real withdrew their interest, Juventus have long been regarded as the frontrunners to re-sign Pogba after the Frenchman's trophy-laden first spell in Turin.

However, Ligue 1 champions PSG are still intent on luring the 29-year-old back to his homeland as part of their summer midfield overhaul.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba pictured on February 8, 2022 © Reuters

According to RMC Sport, Pogba has not closed the door on a move to PSG fully, with the French giants still hoping to appoint Zidane as their new manager.

The three-time Champions League-winning coach left Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 and is thought to be PSG's preferred choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Zidane had agreed an offer to take over at the Parc des Princes, but such rumours were quickly shot down by those close to the 49-year-old.

"All of these rumours which are going around are unfounded. To this day, I am the only person who is authorised to represent and advise Zinedine Zidane. Neither Zinedine Zidane nor myself have been directly contacted by the owner of PSG," Zidane's advisor told L'Equipe.

"I also highly doubt that his majesty the Emir of Qatar, Cheikh Tamin Ben Hamad Al Thani, would go through social media or media in order to manager his business and take crucial decisions with regard to PSG's future. I'm not even sure if he's really interested in Zidane arriving."

Zinedine Zidane in charge of Real Madrid in May 2021 © Reuters

PSG have not given up hope of welcoming Zidane to the club, but Nice manager Christophe Galtier - who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2020-21 - has also been mentioned as a priority target.

Pogba is said to have a three-year offer on the table from Juventus after ending his first spell at the club with 34 goals and 40 assists from 178 matches in all competitions.

The World Cup champion won a quartet of Serie A titles under Massimiliano Allegri and reached the Champions League final in 2015 before his £94.5m return to Old Trafford in 2016.

Pogba helped the Red Devils win one Europa League title and the EFL Cup between 2016 and 2022 but only registered one goal and nine assists from 27 games in his final season at the club.

As well as Pogba, Man United have lost another trio of midfielders in Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata following the expiration of their Old Trafford contracts.

Erik ten Hag's side are in talks to replace Pogba with Frenkie de Jong, although Barcelona are reported to have turned down the Red Devils' opening bid for the 25-year-old.