Let us look at the three possible candidates Manchester United could sign to replace Paul Pogba this summer:
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Manchester United have announced that World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba will depart the club this summer. The Frenchman’s contract was due to end this summer and the latest development means he will not be extending his stay at Old Trafford. The news must not surprise United fans, with many expecting him to leave the Red Devils at the culmination of his contract. Pogba had the potential to rule the world and he showed glimpses of those abilities in patches for United. However, the 29-year-old was not able to replicate his national team form at the club level consistently. With the Reds starting a new era under Erik ten Hag, Pogba’s departure could end up being a blessing in disguise. This presents an opportunity for the Dutchman to sign a midfielder that suits his system. Let us look at the three possible candidates Manchester United could sign to replace Paul Pogba this summer:
The 21-year-old French wonderkid is expected to be the future of the country’s midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Kouadio Kone is not that different from Paul Pogba in terms of his playing style. Pogba is the ideal box-to-box midfielder, who can also be labeled as a roaming playmaker. The 29-year-old Frenchman is excellent in dribbling, finding killer passes and is capable of scoring screamers.
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Kone is also a box-to-box midfielder and is very good at dribbling. He is also physically strong, making it difficult for the opponents to dispossess the ball from him. Kone is not yet a roaming playmaker but has the potential to grow into that role in the future. The Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder was recently with Toulouse on loan. He might not be a readymade replacement for Pogba in the Premier League next season, but has the potential to be a world class player in near future and will also cost less compared to others in his position.
The 25-year-old Italian could be a direct replacement for Pogba this summer. Nicolo Barella can do almost everything the Frenchman is capable of doing. Known as a roaming playmaker, Barella is excellent with his short and long-range passing. He is capable of finding defense-splitting passes and can also pick long-range diagonal crosses with relative ease. The 25-year-old is also very skillful at dribbling, hence can also be a good ball carrier.
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His work rate is another big plus for him, whether he’s pressing the opponent’s defence or tracking back to support his backline. Like Pogba, he is best suited in a No.8 position and is capable of covering a lot of the pitch. He is equally instrumental in the final third, with his chance creation and shooting. However, it is not clear whether the midfielder is available in the market and if he is then the cost will be a lot higher than that of Kouadio Kone.
The young English midfielder is the hottest prospect out there in all of Europe. It is scary to think how good Bellingham is when considering that he is only 18 years of age. The midfielder came to the limelight at Birmingham City. So much so that the club retired his number 22 shirt, “to remember one of our own and to inspire others.” He then moved to Borussia Dortmund and has continued to progress on a positive scale.
Bellingham has all the potential to be a world-class player one day. He has excellent dribbling skills and is very good at dropping his shoulder to get past the defender while in possession. His link-up play is commanding and also has a good eye for a pass. Bellingham is more of a ball carrier than a playmaker. Either way, he can be a fantastic replacement for Pogba. However, Bellingham is one of the sought-after midfielders in European football, meaning he will cost a lot more than Nicolo Barella and Kouadio Kone.
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