Jose Mourinho, sacked from Chelsea last season and now manager of Manchester United, finally got his man – Juventus’ Paul Pogba – after one of the longest running transfer deals of the summer.
The 23-year-old who left Manchester United for Juventus four years ago, in a £1.5 million deal has signed a 5-year deal with the Old Trafford club.
“The time is right to go back to Old Trafford,” the French international said. “It was like I’d just come back home. I just went for a holiday,” he told the club TV channel.
Pogba revealed that having boss Jose Mourinho in charge of the Red Devils was a massive factor in signing for the club again. “He gave me energy; he gave me positivity. They all told me he’s the coach for me – he will make me improve a lot and make me work harder.”
The world record passes the £85 million Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013 and also sees a British club set a world record fee for buying. The last time was in 1996 when Newcastle bought Alan Shearer from Blackburn for £15 million.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s rebuild continued with former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, Pep Guardiola, buying Everton defender, John Stones for £47.5 million.
Stones, who has featured with England, and was a target for West London club, Chelsea, signed a 6 year deal this week.
The former Barnsley player becomes the second most expensive defender in the history of the game, and is second as a British record signing, with Raheem Stirling going from Liverpool to Manchester City for £49 million taking the record.
“”It’s an ambitious club with a great manager so I can’t wait to get stuck in,” said the former Barnsley player. I know it will be tough getting a place in this team, but I’m determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success.”
New manager, Guardiola said: “We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved. I like the way he plays the game and I’m looking forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
World Record Transfer Deals – 2013 – Gareth Bale £86m (Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid)
2009 – Cristiano Ronaldo £80m (Manchester United to Real Madrid)
2009 – Kaka £56m (AC Milan to Real Madrid) 2001 – Zinedine Zidane £46m (Juventus to Real Madrid)
2000 – Luis Figo £37m (Barcelona to Real Madrid)
