Paul Pogba: Why a Move to Juventus Won't Benefit Young Midfielder

The last we heard of Paul Pogba, the 19-year-old was reportedly set to sign with Juventus and leave behind Manchester United.

Perhaps he was upset that he only saw seven appearances last season, or he didn't like United's contract offer. Hell, maybe he didn't care for England. I don't know, and none of it is particularly relevant if he is in fact set to make the move to Turin.

What is relevant, however, is that such a move would be a mistake if the young Pogba hopes to see extensive playing time next season.

While Manchester United has struggled with depth issues in the midfield, Juventus is absolutely loaded there.

The group is headlined by Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal—three players who Pogba isn't in the same stratosphere as yet. And the team has depth as well, with Emanuele Giaccherini and Marcelo Estigarribia available to the squad.

And even if a move to a winger position is in the cards for Pogba—and I don't think it is—Juventus is pretty loaded in that regard as well. This is not a team that needs any immediate tweaks to the midfield. They could probably use another pure striker, but they certainly aren't lacking in the midfield.

Ultimately, Pogba would have had a much better chance at frequently cracking the lineup in Manchester than he figures to in Turin. If he sees any more than the seven appearances he got with the Red Devils this year, I'd be shocked.

Perhaps Pogba is resigned to his fate as a reserve and sees a more promising future in Turin. Perhaps we'll find out the money was simply too much for him to resist.

But if this is about immediate playing time, I have to think his chances would be better with Manchester United next season. Once a contract is official, I guess we'll know for sure.

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