Paul Pogba move to Barcelona hindered due to transfer ban claims agent
Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has claimed that Juventus midfielder could have joined Spanish champions Barcelona this summer if it weren’t for the lengthy transfer ban imposed on the club, EPSN reported. Pogba is one of the hottest prospects in Europe at the moment and top clubs like Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester City were all in the race to sign the French star in recent months.
Juventus were reported to have been offered £61 million by the Catalan side for the 22-year-old during summer even though the club was banned from registering new players until January 2016. Following the end of transfer season, Pogba made a decision to commit himself to the Italian champions for another season.
Former Barca president Joan Laporta had promised to seal the signature of the former Red Devil, during the club’s presidential election but failed to do so.
Pogba’s decision to remain at Turin has been questioned by many and his agent Raiola has revealed that his client was on the verge of being purchased by the reigning European champions.
However, due to the lengthy transfer ban handed down by FIFA made it impossible for them to seal Pogba’s signature this summer.
“We know that Paul Pogba was Joan Laporta's first goal,” Raiola said.
“But whether it might be Laporta or someone else, it remains a possibility.”
“The current Barca directors already checked things out with Juve, but they weren't able to take him because they're blocked from signing players until January.”
Despite failing to sign the France international, the Blaugrana made a couple of additions to the squad in the summer. Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid and Sevilla’s wing-back Aleix Vidal both joined the club but are forbidden from playing until January due to the ban.
Paris Saint-German, Bayern Munich are welcome to bid for Pogba: Raiola
Pogba’s agent has given an open invitation for Europe’s top clubs Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain to place a bid of €100m for the highly-coveted midfielder next summer. However, the agent has admitted that the Spanish giants are more likely to land the star player after Euro 2016.
“We'll see what Barca's project is and what Paul's project is.” he added.
“All the doors are open with every club.”
“But for the moment the kid decided last summer to stay at least one more year at Juventus.”
“And we should always respect the wish of a player when it's taken with his heart.”