Why NYCFC should take a chance on Paul Pogba despite the obvious risks
It’s been almost a week since AS Monaco confirmed that Paul Pogba will hit free agency and won’t continue playing for the French club.
Now, this won’t be the first time the former Juventus midfielder has flirted with an MLS rumour.
However, it is clear that Pogba intends to remain playing in Europe, but who tells you one team couldn’t try to pursue him?
In this context, the MLS club has been connected to two significant transfer rumors: one involving a USMNT star and another featuring a seasoned European veteran.
NYCFC should try to pursue the signing of Paul Pogba
It was obvious I was talking about the Pigeons when I mentioned the USMNT star, right? The truth is that New York City FC has the lead when it comes to veterans because they have the squad and conditions to bring them.
In the past, the Pigeons flirted with Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic. However, neither deal came to fruition, showing that the NYCFC can bring in a huge star.
Although he was once an elite midfielder, renowned for his passing ability and vision, the MLS team would be investing in his reputation rather than his current form.
During the current season, Paul Pogba played only six games, and many absences were due to his lack of fitness. Despite this, everyone can get fitter, and Pogba is still one year through his contract.
If you are not aware, Pogba’s contract ends in June 2027; however, the French media has already confirmed that he won’t continue playing at Monaco when his deal is finalized.
With that being said, if we reach June and Paul Pogba is in rhythm, bringing him could change the game for NYCFC next season. He will be 34 years old, but his quality and technique are still there.
But how would Pogba help the Pigeons? Well, mainly with the distribution of play. NYCFC are going through a period where their leader, Maxi Morales, is injured, and his absence is noticeable.
Pogba's arrival would bring a different kind of passing and tempo to a stagnant midfield that is slowly trying to find its way in games.
Weak in marking and in playing deep passes into space, that's a specialty that even Mourinho saw in Pogba, and one that could benefit the Pigeons.
The truth is that it all depends on Pogba’s fitness; without it, NYCFC will just be spending money to become a rehab center.
If the 2018 World Cup winner with France can return even to a small version of what he was, this would be a great investment by New York City FC, but if that’s not the case, it is more of a risk than a safe bet.
