Real Madrid Transfer News: Would Paul Pogba Fit In at the Bernabeu?

Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, November 22, 2014. Pogba could be on his way to the Bernabeu. Paolo Bruno/Getty

Real Madrid has an obligation to improve every year, according to club president Florentino Perez, and this summer may see the arrival of France midfielder Paul Pogba to ensure that.

Speaking to Marca, Perez confirmed the Champions League holders' interest in the 23-year-old but said the lack of a release clause in Pogba's contract at Juventus would make a move difficult.

"While he excites me, it is difficult to reach agreements if there are no termination clauses," Perez said. "If a player such as him is available, we may go for him, but would have to reach an agreement.

"[Pogba] is a great player, but in midfield we have six great players, so I would not want to discuss speculation."

With such riches in Real's midfield department, would the former Manchester United product fit in with the Galacticos?

While only 23, Pogba is already an established player in European football, reportedly courted by clubs from Real to Barcelona, and Chelsea to Manchester United. He has won four Serie A titles since moving from Old Trafford to Juventus in 2012, as well as being named FIFA's young player of the tournament at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Pogba commands the center of the field with an imposing presence reminiscent of Manchester City's Yaya Toure in his prime, while also having the vision to pick out the perfect pass.

His qualities have drawn comparison to former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Viera, but the France World Cup winner insisted: "Paul is more technically gifted than I ever was, and far more at ease on the ball." High praise, indeed.

This summer, Pogba will look to emulate his compatriot, who won the European Championships in 2000, as part of Didier Deschamps' France squad for the 2016 tournament.

Zinedine Zidane, the Real manager, promoted Casemiro to the first-team at the Bernabeu, playing the Brazilian alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in midfield.

James Rodriguez, who cost the club £60 million ($86 million) has struggled to get into Zidane's starting line-up. But Pogba looks destined for the top and is expected to improve even more.

The Frenchman could be set to excite not only Perez but the whole of Madrid.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go