Three January options for Man Utd to replace Pogba

10 Nov 2021 12:20 GMT
3 min read

Paul Pogba, Manchester United, Premier League, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Paul Pogba’s latest injury setback could have an impact on Manchester United’s January transfer plans.

The France international is forecast to be out until the end of 2021 as a minimum, but it could be well into 2022 before he returns to action. Pogba could miss as many as 17 matches.

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This could force Man Utd into the transfer window for two reasons.

Firstly, they could use this as the last chance to cash in on Pogba, who is an asset they have never properly exploited, and secondly, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may simply feel that his squad needs more depth without the World Cup winner available.

But who could Man Utd replace him with?

Declan Rice

West Ham were firm on their stance over Declan Rice’s future last summer when both Man Utd and Chelsea were chasing him.

With David Moyes’ side firmly in the hunt for Champions League football next season – and some even tipping them as potential title challengers – there is no way that they will allow one of their most valuable players to depart in January.

Moyes claimed it would take all the money in the Bank of England and Scotland for West Ham to sell in the summer – but it will take even more than that now.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is another player who has long been linked with a move to Man Utd.

Unlike Kessie, though, he is under contract at Stade Louis II until 2024, making him a far harder and more expensive target to sign.

Monaco, though, are only in mid-table in Ligue 1. If their Champions League challenge does not ignite before then, they could see it as a prudent time to make a sale, especially as young midfielder Eliot Matazo is beginning to impose himself.

Franck Kessi

Kessie rejects new Milan deal: Where could he go next? — © ProShots

Even before Pogba’s injury, Milan midfielder Franck Kessie was being talked up as a potential Man Utd signing – a player to replace the World Cup winner, no less.

Kessie is out of contract at the end of the season and this could be Milan’s final chance to raise funds from the Ivory Coast international.

Perhaps the only potential sticking point to a deal would be the interest in Kessie. Although the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who have also been linked with an interest, are unlikely to move in January, the midfielder could have a contract bidding war for him come the end of the season.

It could be lucrative from a personal point of view to hold tight, but Man Utd are likely to pay well…