Manchester United Seal World-Record £100 Million Deal To Sign Juventus’ Paul Pogba

Manchester United clinched a world-record £100 million ($132 million) deal to sign French midfielder Paul Pogba from Juventus on Thursday.

Manchester United Seal World-Record £100 Million Deal To Sign Juventus’ Paul Pogba

United have agreed to pay the Italian club the massive fee for their 23-year-old French superstar, who has now signed a five-year contract worth £210,000 ($277,500) per week, net.

The Old Trafford giants’ executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward agreed to the deal with Juventus directors Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, as well as Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola. 

The price was set by the Italian champions earlier this month, and the prospect of breaking the world record for the highest fee does not seem to have deterred United from their interest in signing the midfielder.

Woodward his missed the first leg of his team’ pre-season tour in China in order to lead negotiations.

New United manager Jose Mourinho has been determined to ensure Pogba returns for pre-season training, after helping France reach the Euro 2016 finals, with the Red Devils rather than with Juventus.

Man U had previously offered a £100 million package, including around £14 million ($18.5 million) in add-ons.

The actual deal is reported to have been reached at £100 million with approximately £8 million ($10.6 million) in performance-related bonuses.

It surpasses the £86 million ($113.7 million) Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Welsh star Gareth Bale in 2013.

Pogba previously played for United for two seasons and left in 2012 because of a lack of first-team opportunities under then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson. 

The Frenchman has thrived at Juventus and emerged as one of the most sought-after young players in Europe with United content to pay the historic fee for a player they released for next to nothing.

Pogba is now Mourinho’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mhkitaryan. 

In an interview with ESPN earlier this month, he stated: “United was my first family.”

Former France striker and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry praised Pogba, unlike many others who feel the youngster doesn’t dominate games often enough to merit such a large contract.

“Forget about France, I think he can be one of the best midfielders in history,” said Henry, 38, during the Euros. “He has the quality to do that.

“He needs to make sure he concentrates on what he can do well.”

Old Trafford legend Roy Keane is also a fan.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager said: “What you’re looking at, is the potential of him. He’s still a young player and he will mature over the next few years, and that’s why, if does go back to United, they’re still buying that potential.

“But he will be a top player for the next ten years.”

The midfielder is currently in Miami on holiday following his performance with France Euro 2016 and stopped off at Tofferson’s Blendz barbershop for a fresh trim.

In an Instagram post of Pogba, the midfielder’s barber Criz Tofferson wrote in the caption: “had to change up Pogba’s haircolor for his new team #ManchesterUnited #lyfebrand.”

Tofferson’s image was quickly inundated with United fans taking the post as confirmation of the deal.

However, Tofferson amended the caption, removing the mention of Manchester United and eventually deleting the picture.

Pogba will wear the No. 6 jersey with United.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Paul Pogba of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on November 22, 2014 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena