According to Marca, Real Madrid are prepared to offer Gareth Bale in their player plus cash deal to sign Manchester United star Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has been identified as the top target for Zinedine Zidane this summer, but the Red Devils have refused to enter into talks about a potential transfer, despite the efforts of Mino Raiola.
As a result, the European giants are now willing to offer Bale, although they will likely need to fork out a sizable fee to have any chance of signing Pogba this summer.
Paul Pogba’s struggles at Manchester United
Pogba became one of the most highly scrutinised players in the Premier League since his big money move to Manchester United back in 2016. The Frenchman has been a subject of criticism, mainly due to his hefty price-tag, although his performances with United really didn’t do justice to the quality of the individual.
The ex-Juventus star, did, however, end the 2018/19 campaign as the club’s top goalscorer with 13 goals. Pogba also mustered nine assists – making him the league’s most productive central midfielder, ahead of players like Christian Eriksen, David Silva and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
That being said, a majority of his goals came from penalties while the midfielder also appeared inconsistent, especially during the final phase of the campaign, where United’s poor form saw them miss out on Champions League qualification next season.
What can Pogba bring to the table?
Pogba is generally known for his exquisite technique on the ball and his ability to pick accurate long balls. He can deliver deadly through balls in behind the defence as well, making him a productive central midfielder who can not only create chances but also has a knack for scoring goals.
Another key asset of his game is the physical prowess that allows him to ride pressure from opposing defenders and carry the ball in half spaces, which becomes an essential aspect for his team’s transition play from midfield to attack. And finally, it is Pogba’s long-range shooting prowess that makes him such a sought-after midfielder in world football.
Does this Bale-Pogba swap deal make sense?
Real Madrid have refreshed their attacking unit with the addition of talented individuals like Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Rodrygo while the likes of Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior are already there. And this could take a considerable toll on Bale’s importance in the Madrid attack next season, meaning a move away from the Bernabeu makes sense for the Welshman.
Pogba, on the other hand, will be an excellent addition for the Spanish giants as they have evidently struggled in the central midfield department. Luka Modric’s game has significantly deteriorated in the recent season while Toni Kroos, too, has struggled to maintain consistency.
The French World Cup winner, therefore, will add more competition as well as quality into the Real Madrid midfield as Los Blancos aim to take Europe by storm next season.
