Manchester United ensure one final year with Frenchman but risk losing him for nothing in twelve months

Tuesday evening played host to the most remarkable transfer in recent memory, if not ever, as six-time Ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi departed Barcelona for free. 

The Argentine hosted a teary-eyed press conference at the Nou Camp on Sunday, explaining that the decision to leave went against the wishes of both himself and his previous employers.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain didn’t wait around, however, snapping up the 32-year-old within hours of his Catalan departure being confirmed.

The signing completes a remarkable transfer window for PSG, who have acquired a new spine of the team, consisting of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Gini Wijnaldum and Messi, all for free.

However, it appears that the Ligue 1 side’s move for Messi could have repercussions in the Premier League.

Messi’s mega money move to the French capital has prevented Pogba from joining PSG.

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba now looks set to remain at the club, despite ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Paris.

The report suggests that Messi’s contract, which will see him earn £35 million during each year of his two-year deal, has meant that PSG’s owners can no longer afford to give the green light to a move for Pogba.

The United midfielder has been heavily linked with a departure from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side during each of the last three summer windows, however it appears that he will once again start the season in the red of United.

It is also reported that, while United may hold on to one of their star players for another twelve months, the Frenchman will make the move to Paris next summer, when his current deal expires.

This will mean that the Premier League side will lose Pogba, who currently earns around £290,000-per-week, on a free transfer in a year’s time.

Despite’s PSG’s seeming inability to sign Pogba his summer, it remains to be seen whether any other of Europe’s biggest clubs, including former side Juventus, will make a move for the French international before the close of the window.