Why did Marseille pass up chance to sign Paul Pogba? | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille were linked with a move for Paul Pogba (32) several months ago before the Frenchman began talks with AS Monaco, where the 2018 World Cup winner is now expected to sign a two-year deal imminently. Following the Frenchman’s reduction of his ban from four years to 18 months, Pogba had stated his openness to move to Ligue 1.“If something can be done, we will be delighted to welcome a player like Paul Pogba,” stated sporting director Medhi Benatia several months ago in an interview with L’Équipe. It kicked off heavy links that lasted through the winter. Yet Marseille president Pablo Longoria and manager Roberto De Zerbi stated that they did not want to take the risk to sign the player last winter, opting instead to wait until the Summer window. At this point, Pogba had not yet made any decision on his future.According to RMC Sport, the club were already wary of the media attention brought to the club by signing a high-profile player that could take several months to settle in. What’s more is that Marseille had just signed Angel Gomes (24) from LOSC Lille on a free transfer, adding even more competition to what was already a saturated midfield (unless there were major departures this summer). Sources close to the club suggested to RMC Sport that there were no doubts over Pogba’s talent or character – both Roberto De Zerbi and sporting director Mehdi Benatia hold him in high regard. OM weighed up the inevitable media glare that would follow the French international’s every step. It is reported that the club’s leadership feared the move could become more about the story than the football: daily questions, speculation over fitness, and the risk of disrupting the dressing room’s balance. GFFN | George Boxall