Source claims Adidas acted as “peacemakers” to keep Paul Pogba at Manchester United
Manchester United had Adidas to thank for keeping hold of Paul Pogba this summer amid interest from Real Madrid, say reports.
The France World Cup winner was the subject of constant speculation during the summer transfer window after hinting that he was ready to leave Old Trafford.
However, the Star reports that German sportswear giants Adidas – who have a 10-year boot deal with Pogba worth £31 million and a kit-making contract with United until 2024 worth £750 million – played a crucial role in keeping Pogba in Manchester.
A source close to the Red Devils hierarchy told the newspaper: “They acted as peacemakers between the player, his agent and the club.
“Adidas were crucial in persuading all the parties to resolve their differences for another season.”
Pogba has played every minute of Manchester United's Premier League campaign so far this season, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side only have five points after four matches.
NOW READ...
FRIEND OR FOE 8 times England team-mates had major bust-ups
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
LISTEN FourFourTwo Podcast, Episode #14: Lads, it’s Tottenham
Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression