Darren Bent has revealed to Talk Sport that he thinks Manchester United star Paul Pogba would be wanted by Premier League champions-elect, Liverpool.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Paul Pogba of Manchester United walks off after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker’s comments come just days after Liverpool’s transfer strategies for the summer were reported by the Independent claiming that the European champions would not make significant alterations to the methodology in the transfer market that has restored the club as a domestic and continental powerhouse.
The Times have previously reported that United would sell Pogba for £150 million.
Bent, who was a guest on the Drive show on Friday afternoon, believes that although the World Cup-winning midfielder has struggled at United, Liverpool would not pass up the opportunity to bring the French man to Anfield.
He told Talk Sport: “When someone like Paul Pogba comes available on the market, and let’s not forget he’s only 26, there’s going to be so many takers.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if teams like Manchester City come in for him. I can see him getting in Liverpool’s team too.
“If he’s on top, top form he can get in most teams in the world. When you talk about United selling him, I think there’s going to be a whole host of teams lining up.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
What RTK has to say
An interesting intake from Bent, but this remark has no logic or background evidence to support any kind of validity regarding a potential deal.
With plausibility and cost the determining factors when judging a potential deal, Pogba’s gargantuan transfer-fee coupled with his £290,000-a-week (Spotrac) salary at United would both immediately go against Liverpool’s core principles.
Also, the France international is a luxury player and wouldn’t provide the necessary energy and intensity needed to thrive in Liverpool’s diminutive midfield triumvirate.
Liverpool have a net spend of around £74.5m since Klopp’s appointment in October 2015. The clubs shrewd recruitment and funds generated from on-pitch success have led to surgical success on the pitch as well as ballooning commercial gains off it.
The club has risen back to their perch through responsible business. The club’s directors identify what the team needs – the ultimate influence – rather than the buzz surrounding high-profile players.
All of the evidence presented would suggest that any form of interest materialising for Pogba can conclusively be put to bed.