Xavi does not want Barcelona to pursue a deal for Paul Pogba after club president Joan Laporta met with super agent Mino Raiola earlier this week.
Pogba’s Manchester United contract expires at the end of the season and he is keeping his options open regarding his future, with the France international able to discuss terms with clubs outside of England from 1 January 2022.
According to Sport, his agent Raiola met with Barcelona president Laporta a few days ago, initially to discuss a potential deal to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
During their meeting, Raiola proposed three more of his clients, all of whom are out of contract come the summer, for Barça to take a look at – PSG’s Xavi Simons, Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui and Pogba.
Laporta is strongly pushing for Haaland’s signing despite Barcelona’s financial woes, while deals for Simons and Mazraoui ‘do not look so complicated’ and are at least considered feasible. But head coach Xavi does not want Pogba as part of his squad.
Xavi is concerned by Pogba’s commitment and physical style as opposed to the technical players that he desires in his midfield.
Barcelona have a number of central midfielders on their books right now anyway, and remains one of the only areas on the pitch where they have depth in light of their recent injury crisis. Simons’ potential return from PSG would add another option in that position too.
Dani Alves, who re-signed for the club last month and can be registered to play at the start of January, has also been used in midfield on occasion in the twilight of his career.
This article was originally published on 90min as Xavi urges Barcelona not to pursue Paul Pogba.
Source: www.90min.com
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