SOCCER | PSG
PSG's next targets: Ronaldo and Pogba after Messi secured
Sky Sports reports PSG plan to sign Ronaldo and Pogba on free transfers in 2022, when both players end their contracts with their respective clubs, Juventus and Man United.
Paris Saint-Germain has executed the most ambitious transfer plan in the club’s history during this summer transfer’s window.
Having secured the signings of Gini Wijnaldum, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sergio Ramos, the club’s Qatari owners capped off an aggressive period of acquisitions by landing none other than living legend Lionel Messi, the greatest player of all time in the eyes of many, particularly those with an affection for Barcelona.
PSG made their first-ever European Cup/Champions League final in 2020, where they were defeated by Bayern Munich. Now, with these five new signings adding serious strength to a squad already decorated with the talents of Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, the French giants will expect to finally go all the way and lift their first Champions League trophy.
Next on PSG’s radar: Ronaldo and Pogba
But if adding Lionel Messi wasn’t enough, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi also has his sights set on partnering the Argentine with his long-time Real Madrid rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, while also landing French hero Paul Pogba from Manchester United.
According to Sky Sports, PSG’s plan is to sign both Ronaldo and Pogba on free transfers in 2022, when both players end their contracts with their respective clubs, Juventus and Manchester United.
With PSG having secured the signings of Ramos and Messi free of charge this summer, it is certainly a realistic possibility that the Ligue 1 club could use a similar strategy to acquire the services of Ronaldo and Pogba next summer.
Ronaldo unlikely to renew with Juventus
Ronaldo was reportedly close to leaving Juventus this summer but in the end the Portuguese opted to see out the last year of his contract in Turin. However it seems extremely unlikely that the former Madrid striker will extend his deal with the Old Lady beyond that.
The arrival of Ronaldo would certainly go some way in convincing Real Madrid target Mbappé -- another player whose contract ends in 2022 -- to stay at Parc des Princes, given he would have the opportunity to play with his childhood idol.
Pogba operation more complicated for PSG
For his part, Pogba has been linked with PSG on several occasions, but it seems that, like Ronaldo, the French midfielder will stay on to fulfil the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
In 2022, PSG can sign him for free but the case of Pogba will be more complicated considering they will face competition for the 28-year-old from his former club, Juventus.