Paul Pogba’s knee troubles leave Monaco with a summer dilemma | OneFootball

Paul Pogba’s persistent right-knee problems have left Monaco with a delicate summer call, the 33-year-old entering the final year of his deal.

According to Nice-Matin, some inside the club no longer believe he can return to elite level. His recent Instagram message signalling he would be back next season surprised several, and there have been no talks over his future.

Pogba signed a two-year contract last year but featured only six times, with one start. His right knee is understood to swell regularly, which kept him out at Strasbourg on the final day and has been linked to compensatory muscle issues.

After a seventh-place finish, Monaco’s review of coach Sébastien Pocognoli has concluded, with Filipe Luis set to be appointed soon. Late in the season Pocognoli is understood to have followed president Dmitri Rybolovlev’s wishes on selection.

Director general Thiago Scuro was not initially in favour of signing Pogba a year ago, yet he too deferred to the president. Rybolovlev’s preferences complicate the case, and there are doubts over whether Pogba would accept a reduced role or has the drive to reach the top again.

Monaco plan to sell Akliouche, Camara and Balogun. They have signed left-back Nazinho from Cercle Bruges for five million euros and taken Troyes winger Mathys Detourbet on a two-season loan, one plus one. With no Champions League, budgets will be tight, and Scuro and technical director Carlos Avina are set to stay after helping drive the move for Luis.

Nazinho’s arrival could prompt exits for Caio Henrique or Kassoum Ouattara. Ansu Fati is close to a contractual agreement to join permanently.

Source: Nice-Matin