Could a free agent help solve Manchester City’s midfield issues? | OneFootball

It is no secret that Manchester City’s midfield has been off the pace this season. Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury has severely impacted City’s engine room. Age and weariness have also conspired to see City’s midfield fail to reach their usual high standards.

With the January transfer window set to open next month, it does appear that strengthening their midfield will be Manchester City’s top priority. But while that appears obvious they have also recently been linked with a move for former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Is there any merit to Manchester City signing the former French international? That remains to be seen.

Miguel Delaney has reported for the Independent that Manchester City have sounded out Paul Pogba over a potential move to the club. Furthermore, Delaney adds that Pogba is reluctant to move to Manchester after his experience there when he played for Manchester United. Pogba is currently suspended until March after testing positive for increased levels of testosterone. His ban is due to end in March. He is currently a free agent after being released by Juventus.

The idea of Paul Pogba as a player doesn’t match the reality, so for me, a Manchester City move for Pogba appears unlikely.

As it stands currently Manchester City do need to reinforce their midfield. That looks like something they will be eager to do during next month’s transfer window. It is a move that the world champions look certain to make. Paul Pogba isn’t available to play until March, so by then, Manchester City may have already strengthened their midfield. If that proves to be the case then a City move for Pogba wouldn’t be necessary.

There is also something else to consider with Paul Pogba, the player. At his best, he can be brilliant. No one disputes that. But across his career, he hasn’t lived up to the billing he is given. He has often flattered to deceive across his time at Manchester United and Juventus. So while the idea of Pogba as a player is a tantalising one so often he has flattered to deceive. Would Manchester City take a chance on a 31 year old midfielder with that reputation to bolster their midfield? I’m not so sure.

There is no doubt that Manchester City’s midfield needs strengthening. But for me a player like Paul Pogba isn’t the answer. When he becomes available will be to late and I expect the world champions to strengthen their midfield next month. Stranger things have happened but for now I can’t see City moving for Paul Pogba at this stage.