Laporta promises Pogba to Barcelona fans in presidential election pledge
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Current Barcelona president Joan Laporta has promised fans that if he is elected once again, he will deliver Paul Pogba as a major signing.
The club who won the treble last season, under Laporta’s presidency, are 10/3 with Coral to retain the Champions League next term and although their punishment for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations prevents them securing players until 2016, that hasn’t stopped them pursuing targets this summer.
Having already bought Sevilla right back Aleix Vidal, it appears that Laporta has turned his attentions to one of the most dynamic midfielders in world football. However, the Frenchman is valued by his club at around £77m which would require Barca to splash out more than they did on Neymar and Luis Suarez.
Laporta, though, said such a move can happen, and talked up his relationship with the player’s agent.
“The key to his signing is (Pogba’s agent) Mino Raiola,” Laporta told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.
“It’s true that I have a very good relationship with him and I believe that if I become president, Pogba will play at Barcelona.”
There are reports in Spain that there is an agreement place between the two clubs for Pogba to remain at Juventus until next summer.
“I think it’s fine that the (Barca) management meet with Juve but the one they have to talk to is Raiola, he holds the key,” Laporta continued.
“Pogba is highly sought-after,” Laporta added. “He has great quality and fits into Barca’s style of play.
“He costs a lot of money but he is a reference player like Neymar, (Luis) Suarez or Cristiano (Ronaldo), that also cost a lot of money.”
Should Barcelona land him, it will be interesting to see how he would fit into the team. Their midfield has been made up of slight, technically gifted players over the past decade who have played with an emphasis on pass and move.
The arrival of Pogba, though, would see them potentially switching in style as the club continues developing under boss Luis Enrique.
