10 Players You Probably Didn't Know Man City Almost Signed

8. Paul Pogba

With every confident, mature and classy performance that Paul Pogba produces for The Old Lady in Turin, an audible groan can be heard reverberating throughout the street corners of Manchester. However, it would be a collective sigh in unison from both clubs, as both sets of supporters are left to rue the day that they let the finest French talent of this day and age slip through their fingers.

The story of his exit from Manchester United is common knowledge, having grown weary at the distinct lack of faith shown in him by Sir Alex Ferguson, with the final straw when right-back Rafael and utility man Ji-Sung Park picked ahead of him for a Premier League showdown with Blackburn Rovers. Consequently, Man United lost that game, and indeed the title, by virtue of goal difference, prompting an indignant Pogba to walk out on the club in search of game-time.

While Man City supporters laughed at the failings of Sir Alex for not appreciating and utilising the talents of Pogba, the smiles were very much wiped from their faces, when reports emerged that they too had the possibility to give the Frenchman a chance. In the summer of 2012, the talented youngster had alerted a plethora of clubs, following his release from Manchester United, and was apparently interested in a move across the divide.

''He is a player I really like. Two years ago, before he went to Juventus, we could have signed him for Manchester City on a free transfer. To be honest, I can€™t really remember why we decided not to.€™€™ €“ Roberto Mancini.

Mancini can probably not remember the reason because it largely spends most of its€™ time lying in the Manchester City infirmary and goes by the name of Jack Rodwell €“ acquired for £12 million in the same window. Pogba has since gone on to play 63 times for Juventus, helping the side to two Scudettos, and being awarded the Golden Boy award in the 2014 World Cup.

The future looks bright for the 21 year old, but one can guess that he probably won€™t be booking any holidays to Manchester in the future.

Contributor
Contributor

Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future. Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.