Juventus
Pogba’s future in doubt as Monaco weigh contract decision
Monaco are reviewing Pogba’s future after six appearances, injury setbacks and contract talks.
Paul Pogba is facing another uncertain stage in a career that has moved from promise to upheaval. Monaco are reportedly considering ending his contract after a 2025-26 season in which he made only six appearances, leaving the 33-year-old once again in limbo eight years after his World Cup triumph with France.
For much of the 2010s, Pogba stood among the most influential midfielders in the game. He projected the swagger of a modern football celebrity and combined power, precision and grace in a way that made him one of the era’s defining players. Yet the closing years of his career have been marked by inconsistency, fitness problems and a suspension that removed him from action for an extended period.
Manchester United first signed him from Le Havre in 2009, a move that sparked controversy when the French club accused the English side of “stealing” their prized asset unlawfully. The transfer was eventually approved by a FIFA-appointed judge. His first spell at Old Trafford was brief, bringing only seven first-team appearances before he left for Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 after a public dispute with Alex Ferguson, with both men accusing the other of “disrespect.”
Juventus was where Pogba reached his peak. In his debut season he made 37 appearances and scored five times, then built on that with 18 goal involvements in 2013-14 and a second successive Serie A title. Across the next two campaigns, he produced 20 goals and 22 assists, while also helping Juventus reach the 2014-15 Champions League final.
United later paid a then record £89.3 million in August 2016 to bring him back. His first season in Manchester delivered nine goals and six assists and ended with Europa League and EFL Cup success. The next year brought 18 goal involvements, but his relationship with José Mourinho deteriorated, before Ole Gunnar Solskjær later helped him rediscover form and finish with 16 Premier League goal contributions after the managerial change.
A failed drugs test in September 2023 led to an 18-month ban, and Juventus had torn up his contract by early 2025. Monaco then took a chance on him in June 2025, but injuries again restricted his involvement. He is now sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered in preseason, and another move, possibly away from Europe, appears likely if his contract is terminated.
Juventus
Zirkzee’s United Path Looks Clearer as Juventus Move Away
Zirkzee’s United future is clearer, with Juventus now looking unlikely to move after summer spending.
Joshua Zirkzee’s immediate future is starting to take shape, and a move to Juventus now appears highly unlikely.
The 25-year-old has produced useful moments at Manchester United, but he has not fully settled into a defined role. Last season also worked against him, with United playing only 40 matches in all competitions. With no European football and early exits from domestic cups, there simply were not enough minutes to spread across the squad.
That picture changes in 2026/27. United are guaranteed at least eight more matches because of the Champions League league phase, with the possibility of several further fixtures beyond that. The demands on the squad will rise sharply, and that alters the context around Zirkzee’s situation.
Juventus had been linked with interest earlier this week, but their own business makes that pursuit difficult to imagine. The Turin club lost Dušan Vlahović at the end of June after no new contract was agreed with the Serbian striker. Since then, Fabrizio Romano has reported that a deal for Randal Kolo Muani is close to completion. The loan with obligation to buy would eventually cost an estimated $51.4 million (€45 million), a figure that underlines the club’s finances and the reality that payment is being pushed into the future.
Juve have also already committed $45.7 million (€40 million) on Loïs Openda as part of his loan from RB Leipzig. Openda has since gone on loan to Lyon for $4 million (€3.5 million) after scoring only once in Serie A last season. Patrick Berger of Sky Sport Germany also reported on Wednesday that a deal for Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović, starting at $37.7 million (€33 million), is in the “final stages.”
Against that backdrop, there seems little room for another major move.
The Athletic reported this week that Manchester United are “open to selling” Zirkzee, which is not the same as actively pushing him out. Ajax interest is not expected to develop after two other signings, while two unnamed Premier League clubs have made enquiries. The window closes on Sept. 1.
Zirkzee has often looked like a player whose role has been misunderstood since arriving at Manchester United. He is a versatile forward, not merely the physical centre-forward some assume. He prefers to drop into build-up play, use his close control, and create from deeper positions. That was evident last Friday, when he scored one and assisted another in the preseason win over Rosenborg.
Arsenal
Five realistic destinations as Balogun prepares for a new challenge
Balogun linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Juventus or Dortmund as transfer interest grows….
Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in the post-World Cup market, with Monaco receiving interest from clubs across Europe and the player reported to be keen on a fresh challenge. Any sale could become the second-highest for a U.S. player, behind only Christian Pulisic’s $73 million switch to Chelsea in 2019.
The forward’s profile suits several different needs. Arsenal represent a natural fit. Balogun came through Arsenal ’s academy but was sold without ever really getting a chance in the first team. Two goals in just 209 senior minutes was impressive but Balogun left with a sense of unfinished business with the Gunners. Arsenal spent big on Viktor Gyökeres last summer but ended the season with Kai Havertz as their starting striker, leaving many believing manager Mikel Arteta may not be entirely satisfied with the options available to him. Bringing Balogun, a homegrown talent, back to the club would be a great move for Arsenal, although whether the 24-year-old would accept such a move without a guarantee of regular starts is a different matter. He has, however, spoken glowingly about the opportunity to be closer to family on brief returns to London.
Chelsea remain a potential suitor despite a crowded forward line. João Pedro has been an excellent addition, but Liam Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a massive disappointment and could be coming to an end this summer. Returning loanee Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha add to a bloated forward line. Much will depend on the opinion of new manager Xabi Alonso, who has been given significant influence in Chelsea’s transfer dealings after agreeing to replace Liam Rosenior.
Newcastle could offer minutes and resources. Last summer the Magpies spent heavily on strikers, bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa for around $164 million (£124 million), yet Eddie Howe quickly lost faith in both and is thought to be chasing another starting striker.
Juventus face turnover up front after a mixed window. Jonathan David was solid at best, Loïs Openda is available following a triggered purchase clause, and Dušan Vlahović could depart, creating room for change and a link-up with international teammate McKennie.
Finally, Borussia Dortmund’s record of developing forwards and the chance to capitalise on World Cup momentum make them an appealing option. Across these five destinations, Balogun’s next move will hinge on Monaco’s valuation and the guarantees each club can offer.
Barcelona
Where Dusan Vlahović Could Land After Juventus Exit
Vlahović leaves Juventus on a free transfer; wage demands blocked a deal; suitors include Liverpool,
Dušan Vlahović will leave Juventus this summer on a free transfer after attempts to renew his contract collapsed. Juve’s director of football strategy, Giorgio Chiellini, has revealed that Vlahović’s wage demands were the major stumbling block in negotiations over a contract renewal, even claiming no club in Italy could offer the center forward his financial expectations. The Serbia international’s absence from the World Cup should simplify talks, and several high-profile clubs emerge as realistic destinations.
Liverpool could revisit the striker market despite a significant outlay on forwards last summer, reportedly nearly $200 million. Alexander Isak’s debut season is described as disastrous and Hugo Ekitiké faces a long-term lay-off after rupturing his Achilles tendon, a problem that could keep him out until 2027. Those issues leave Liverpool exposed up front, but Vlahović’s reported wage demands of around $178,000 per week and the temporary nature of the Reds’ striker problems would complicate any move.
Real Madrid have prioritised defensive business ahead of José Mourinho’s return, with Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries expected to be confirmed as signings. The club’s forward options outside Kylian Mbappé are limited. Endrick enjoyed a promising loan at Lyon and is set to play a bigger role under Mourinho, while Gonzalo García remains an inexperienced and inconsistent academy graduate. Vlahović would offer added experience and physicality, and his availability on a free transfer would be attractive to the Spanish side.
Barcelona have already completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and are pursuing Julián Alvarez as their primary target to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski. Financial constraints and wage considerations remain a concern for Barça, so a no-fee acquisition like Vlahović would be tempting if they seek further reinforcement or if Ferran Torres departs.
At Bayern Munich, Harry Kane is the undisputed No. 9 but the club lacks a long-term deputy after Nicolas Jackson’s loan will not be made permanent. Vlahović has scored 12 or more goals in each of the past four seasons with Juve and could provide a cost-effective option as rotation cover or an impact substitute against lesser opposition.
