Barcelona given new lifeline in Paul Pogba transfer deal as sides pull out

The option to sign Paul Pogba was practically gone. Barcelona had made it clear to his people they would not get involved in a bidding war because, economically, it was inviable, and the matter was practically closed. But the market has opened a little window for the operation. Pogba wants to leave Juventus, but has almost nowhere to go. Chelsea and Manchester City have said they will not sign him, while PSG and Real Madrid aren't making any moves. The footballer has always wanyed to sign for Barcelona and would be ready to join if Barcelona make a move. Including forcing a transfer through.

Pogba and his people discarded the option of Barcelona after the presiential elections. They saw that negotiations were not going well and they looked for other interesting offers in the market for a big summer transfer. In the last few months there has been a lot of contact, but when the hour of truth arrived, Pogba was left without options. The main ones were Manchester City and Chelsea, but both have pulled back because he is not their priority, nor do they want to pay too much for him.

PSG, with Verratti in their squad, have always kept an eye on Pogba but have never taken any decisive steps and it seems they are only searching for a forward in the summer. Madrid is a more complicated path. Zinedine Zidane is a good friend of his agent, Mino Pariola, and also of the player. He would like him in white, but Florentino Perez thinks the deal will be costly and doesn't like spending so much on a midfielder. Only if Zidane pushes strongly on this will Florentino sign him, but nothing indicates he will do so. 

Barcelona broke negotiations with Pogba despite the good relations they have with Juventus. They know his salary is huge and to sign a player who wants 12m euros a season was impossible. Ariedo Braida has, however, maintained a friendly relationship with the footballer and his people. 

Pogba's situation means he may lower his pretensions and force an exit, so he can play with Lionel Messi at Barcelona. The player is thinking of this, but his representatives would prefer to wait in case there is a miracle move in the summer. For the moment Barcelona are keeping their powder dry and Pogba is no priority, but thoughts could turn to him in the next few weeks.

Juventus are interested in selling the player and Pogba wants to join a side that can win the Champions League. His choice is Barcelona. In the conversations the club have had with his representative in the last few months, the Blaugrana have made it clear they will not pay more than eight million euros a season. And Juventus will not charge more than 80m as a transfer fee. Barcelona's strategy is to wait, hoping they may snare the player at a good price.