A look at the five reasons why Wrexham should not make a move for Paul Pogba, despite him being a dream transfer for many clubs.
Three weeks into the transfer window, and yet Wrexham’s January recruitment stands at zero. But this stems from their recruitment priorities and not from a quiet rumour mill.
In an ideal world, Wrexham could’ve broken their summer transfer spending record this time, too. Having been urged to pursue marquee signings like Sergio Ramos and Chicharito, the Dragons’ transfer links only get crazier as the deadline approaches.
This time, Wrexham has been spelt in the same sentence as French superstar Paul Pogba’s profile. Recently, former striker Louis Saha originated the Pobga to Wrexham rumours in his media address.
As quoted by Goal, Saha said: “Paul Pogba at Wrexham? It would be fantastic for social media. Paul has his eyes on Hollywood and wants to be an actor in some way, so it might make a lot of sense.”
Now, as fascinating and dreamy as it sounds, Paul Pogba’s potential transfer comes with too many hidden downsides for Wrexham. Should the 32-year-old’s spell collapse, his sunken ship can crash the Dragons’ ambition as well.
On that note, here’s a look at the 5 reasons why Paul Pogba to Wrexham should never be materialised:
Pogba’s signing brings unfavourable attention
Having failed to secure a win in recent games, Wrexham’s form is teetering on the edge of a drop-off. Another slip in the Championship can disrupt the promotion momentum all over.
At this crucial phase of promotion ramp-up, Wrexham needs less noise and complete attention. That’s the complete opposite of what Paul Pogba’s signing brings in.
With a World Cup winner at the camp, Wrexham is guaranteed to attract much more eyeballs than ever. While more supporters may help in the long term, Pogba’s deal can divert the Red Dragons’ mission to complete back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotion wins to the Premier League.
Pogba’s injury record is another woe
Even keeping aside the social media fuss that Pogba’s signing invites, his addition is a major doubt to turn out as a sporting success.
Having not started a game in the last four seasons, imagining the Frenchman to improve Wrexham makes little sense. While there remains no doubt over the WC winner’s potential, his injury record is too critical to consider a move viable.
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That’s definitely not forgetting that upon arrival, Pogba would be expected to deliver in one of the most intense leagues. Though his past success in the English division is undeniable, his current injury-prone version is more likely to repeat his Monaco spell here.
Another setback for the locker room dynamics
In James McClean’s recent exit, Wrexham’s locker room has been the biggest loser in the transfer. Already recovering from a huge setback, Paul Pogba’s forced inclusion can add to the dressing room chaos.
That’s because benching a mega-star like Paul Pogba doesn’t come easy for Wrexham and Phil Parkinson. Should the manager start him forcibly, it moves one of the in-form stars like George Dobson, Matty James, and Ben Sheaf to the sidelines.
Factor in the form concerns that come with Pogba’s signing, and there’s no guarantee he fills in for the player excluded. What this inclusion does instead is make other midfielders feel undervalued at Wrexham.
Timing mismatch for Pogba’s Wrexham rumours
At best, signings like Paul Pogba could’ve brought success to Wrexham’s project until last season. Having played at the topmost level for years, the League One competition would’ve been a cakewalk even for a near-retired player like him.
It should be noted that before last summer, Wrexham’s squad comprised multiple ageing heroes. In that scenario, handing Pogba a guaranteed starter role would’ve fueled no egos.
With a fair share of the roster moving towards retirement, Pogba’s inclusion will not have made anyone feel undervalued. While that’s not happening anymore this season, the Frenchman’s move is bound to create a locker room mess.
Wrexham ain’t a retirement home at this point
Finally, and most importantly, Wrexham is an ascending project and not a retirement spot for footballers. While there’s no doubt that the club put veteran experience to use to rise quickly, its strategy is shifting now.
With an era of ageing heroes coming to an end with McClean and other expected exits, Wrexham ought to prioritise young talent now.
In this aspect, Paul Pogba’s signing would be a backward step instead of progress. That’s why Pogba to Wrexham can only make sense for one involved party, and that’s definitely not the Welsh club itself.
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