Juventus don't need to sell Pogba

By Football Italia staff

Juventus are paying €90m for Gonzalo Higuain, but Sky Sport Italia report that doesn’t mean Paul Pogba has to leave.

The Bianconeri stunned rivals Napoli by activating Higuain’s release clause, which due to a loophole will cost them €90m rather than the full €94.7m.

It was assumed that Pogba’s sale to Manchester United or Real Madrid would finance the move, but Sky Sport Italia point out this morning that isn’t necessarily true.

For a start, the €90m can be spread out over two years of payments to Napoli, so qualify only as €45m per season on the budget.

Secondly, Juve intend to raise the funds by selling Mario Lemina, Simone Zaza and Roberto Pereyra, who are all surplus to requirements.

Third, after Real Madrid dived into the negotiations too, Juve decided to increase the price-tag for Pogba and reject the latest offer of €110m plus €10m bonuses.

There’s also the issue of agent Mino Raiola’s commission, said to be €20m, which Juventus want to be paid separately from the transfer fee.

Another question will be around Pogba’s own motivation, as he might not want to leave a Juventus side that is building a squad capable of Champions League triumph.

With Miralem Pjanic, Medhi Benatia, Dani Alves, Marko Pjaca and Higuain coming in, the Bianconeri have to be considered among the favourites to win the tournament this season.

On the other hand, Pogba would be just one of many stars at Real Madrid and Manchester United aren’t even in the Champions League.

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