Paul Pogba: how a free transfer departure could be the inevitable end to his Old Trafford era

Paul Pogba entered the action at halftime in the San Siro last Thursday and promptly led Man Utd to a famous European victory. It took the flamboyant Frenchman less than three minutes to score the night’s only goal; reminding everyone just what a difference he makes when fit and firing.

Each moment of on-field magic reignites the seemingly age-old conversation over the World Cup winner’s future at Old Trafford. United triggered a contract extension clause earlier in the season meaning and as it stands, Pogba will be wearing United red until the summer of 2022. Extend, move on or hold out? As has become an annual tradition, the summer transfer rumours coming this off-season look set to be dominated by Mino Raiola and the Paul Pogba saga.

Providing a buyer surfaced willing to take on the wages involved, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Man Utd would be faced with a complex balancing act of on-field ambition and financial common sense. Despite the baggage he seems to bring, it would be very difficult to argue that the United squad wouldn’t be weakened with the loss of Pogba’s abilities. The desperation to cash in on a valuable asset is also lessened when you are amongst the wealthiest clubs in world football. These factors combined mean that Paul Pogba leaving Old Trafford for nothing, for a second time, is now a distinct and perhaps inevitable possibility.

After years of speculation and controversy, an amicable arrangement between club and player now seems more likely than ever. Whilst accepting an £81m loss in transfer fees on any player may seem unthinkable, it may now actually make the best business sense for the club. One final season of positive Pogba contribution would be hugely welcome as United likely look to balance a Champions League campaign with continuing their re-establishment as a Premier League force. In the long term, the benefit of keeping a star player for 12 months longer may outweigh the importance of a cut-price transfer fee this summer.

There is no doubt that the future of United’s mercurial midfielder will be one of the most discussed stories of the offseason. It is ever thus. Despite this, every goal and assist over the course of the next few months will increase the chances of Man Utd and Paul Pogba delaying their divorce for a little while longer. One more season in return for freedom may now be a compromise all parties are willing to make.