Paul Pogba’s brother, Mathias, says he would like to see the player leave Manchester United and complete a transfer to Barcelona.
The Frenchman will be out of contract at United in 2022 and talks over an extension have been unsuccessful, with the club’s hierarchy refusing to bow to his £400,000-a-week wage demands.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona are all reported to be on alert and there are some calls for the Red devils to sell Pogba, despite his recent upturn in form, given he could leave on a free transfer in a year’s time.
The subject of Pogba’s future was among the major topics as his brother, Mathias, was invited onto Spain’s El Chiringuito de Jugones on Wednesday.
During the interview, Spanish football reporter Jose Alvarez quizzed Pogba’s older sibling on Barcelona’s interest, with club president Joan Laporta known to be a huge admirer.
‘Paul likes Laporta very much, can you tell us something about your brother’s situation?’ he was asked.
Article continues below
‘Once he wins the Europa League, then we will talk,’ Pogba, who currently plays for Tabor Sezana, replied.
MORE: Chelsea ready to offer two players to Tottenham in Harry Kane deal
Phil Foden names Chelsea star as toughest opponent & opens up on chat with Haaland
Solskjaer ‘makes choice’ on Man Utd goalkeeper for Europa League final
Pressed further on speculation linking his brother with Barcelona, he added: ‘I don’t know anything but I’m with you Jose, I would sign tomorrow if that was the question. ‘Hopefully he will sign for Barca.’
Pogba has had six goals and six assists this campaign for United and Solskjaer wants him to end the uncertainty over his future by signing a new deal.
The midfielder is yet to win any trophies under Solskjaer and will be intent on adding a second Europa League at the end of this month.
In an interview with Stadium Astro, ex-United first-team coach, Rene Meulensteen, said the club should cash in on Pogba while they have the chance.
‘Solskjaer likes to play with two pivots in Fred and [Scott] McTominay,’ he said. ‘The reason for that is to protect the back four but I think you need another midfield player in there that is more creative that can do a bit of both like Fernandinho at Manchester City, or Fabinho with Liverpool.
‘Pogba creates an imbalance in the team because he has to play, he can’t play as one of the two pivots. Defensively, people run off him so he doesn’t do his defensive job.
‘You play him from the left, okay you try to manufacture something there. I’m not sure. ‘Maybe the best way is to say can we get some money from him and look at what we need.’
