Two of Manchester United’s most expensive players are now possibly on their way out. 26 year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba and 26 year-old Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku seem to both want their time at Old Trafford to come to an end. Pogba has been linked heavily with a move to Real Madrid. However, manager Zinedine Zidane has recently stated that the club is trying to move Gareth Bale out as soon as possible saying, “We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone.” Now with that into play rumors have been circulating of a Pogba and Bale swap. This has been talked about as a great deal for both clubs for several reasons. Madrid would be getting rid of Bale and his high wages and they will be receiving a world class player in Pogba to take over a struggling midfield from last year. Manchester United would be letting go of Pogba, who has voiced his displeasure about being at the club, and they would be adding on Gareth Bale who knows how to takeover the Premier League. If the Bale swap deal doesn’t go through a source close to Pogba and Madrid says that the club, “has a plan” for the French international. Pogba was one of the few bright spots for an inconsistent Red Devils squad last season, scoring 16 goals and recording 11 assists in all competitions. He would add a strong midfield presence to Los Blancos, and will already have a connection with his French manager, Zinedine Zidane.
Romelu Lukaku dropped his goal total in half from 2017/2018 to 2018/2019. In his first season with United Lukaku went on to score 30 goals in all competitions. This past year he only scored 15 goals as managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær were consistently leaving him out of the starting lineup. The Belgian international has been linked the most to Inter Milan, as manager Antonio Conte wants him in the squad. Inter has already had their bid of $67.5 million rejected by United, as the Red Devils were not happy with the offer. Lukaku will possibly be teaming up with the young and talented striker Moise Kean from Juventus. There are rumors of a possible Kean-Icardi swap deal between Juventus and Inter. Lukaku would be able to be a mentor to Kean and both would bring new life to a dressing room surrounded by controversy at the moment.
In terms of replacements for each player, United have their moves ready to go. The Red Devils have been linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes and LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pépé. After already dropping big money on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and now possibly Harry Maguire, United will be looking to move Pogba and Lukaku to free up more spending money.
