Mino Raiola cannot seem to keep quiet over Paul Pogba.
A week on from his awfully timed remarks ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League showdown with RB Leipzig, Raiola has opened his mouth on the subject again.
Quoted by TMW, Raiola has sought to clarify his comments, suggesting Pogba will not move on in January.
Raiola had not claimed that originally, but his words were so matter-of-fact about Pogba not renewing his deal, it seemed United may have little option but to cash in next month.
Raiola instead believes next summer is the window for Pogba, also taking a dig at the reaction to his comments.
Pogba’s agent said: “He will certainly have a good future, I don’t read the future but the present.
“In England they are very sensitive when it comes to Pogba unfortunately.
“I have expressed my opinion, I think what I have said is clear. I was talking about the summer, the big players hardly move in January. Let’s see what happens in the summer.”
If United decide to sell Pogba in January it will be the club’s decision, rather than Raiola’s.
But his words do speak to a likelihood there will not be any big offers in January.
Big players can move next month, as Bruno Fernandes showed last year. Indeed this may even tempt clubs into trying to repeat the instant mid-season success Fernandes brought to Old Trafford.
United appear to have smoothed the Pogba situation over in the short-term, so that there is no instant need to cash in for a low fee and weaken the squad, where he does not appear to be causing any dressing room problems.
Next summer always seemed most likely for a Pogba departure, as he would be able to play for France at the Euros, increase his profile, and generate a larger fee.
The negatives are that this situation could drag into July and dominate United’s summer. A January exit could allow United to resolve it quicker and be done with it once and for all.
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