It’s difficult to gauge the accuracy of reports suggesting West Ham may be considering offering Paul Pogba a contract.
On the surface, the signing would be a very “West Ham” thing to do, both positively and negatively. The club has a history of signing flawed geniuses and attempting to rebuild them—best exemplified by Paulo Di Canio.
At the time, the Hammers weren’t blessed with funds, and the only way to secure a player as talented as Dennis Bergkamp or Gianfranco Zola was to opt for a slightly broken version.
The same could be said of Dimitri Payet, who, for a single season, was every bit as good as Manchester City’s flawless David Silva.
Pogba flaunts it at The London Stadium
In many respects, Pogba fits the demographic of the flawed genius. His footballing talent is undeniable. The 30-year-old World Cup winner is currently training in Miami, preparing for a return after his 18-month drug ban. Yet, as remarkable as his ability is, Pogba has never truly fulfilled his enormous potential, which, when he’s on form, ranks him among the world’s best players.
Pogba would eat Lopetegui for breakfast
But anyone rushing to welcome the Frenchman with open arms should remember two key factors behind Payet and Di Canio’s success at West Ham: Harry Redknapp and Slaven Bilic.
Both former Hammers bosses were first-class man managers, perfectly equipped to motivate and say the right things to get the best out of difficult characters. Whilst Pogba could likely be man-managed, it would require a charismatic, strong-minded head coach with a ton of personality.
Suffice it to say, it’s hard to argue that West Ham’s current management setup would foster the best environment for a wayward genius.
Then there’s the fact that West Ham are the second-oldest team in the Premier League, with no midfielders capable of doing the running required to allow Pogba the freedom to unlock opposition defences.
So, while the idea of Pogba signing for the Hammers sounds intriguing in theory, the reality of the club’s current situation suggests it would likely be a case of wrong player, wrong club, wrong time.
When you say “West Ham may be considering” who exactly do you mean? Is it Steidten, Sullivan, Lopetegui, who? It is important because if the answer is Steidten, then his credibility takes a massive knock, either of the other two would be business as usual.
Is opting for a “slightly broken version” of Pogba, a better roll of the dice than committing to Luis Guilherme? One career is ending while the other is just starting and not broken.
I take it “slightly broken version” is a 2024 euphemism for “doping conviction”, because God forbid that anyone should call it what it is in today’s screwed up version of ethics.
Yes, stranger things have happened at West Ham, but do they have to keep recurring?
It doesn’t fit Tim’s profile of player, young and with sell on value!
It does stink of a Sully signing 100%.
Big name player that won’t cut it at our club that sensible clubs avoid at all costs.
Jack Wiltshire, Kurt Zoums, Andy Carroll to name but a few.
Please , adds to the already old squad , do me a favour FFS
Payet, DiCanio, Dyer, Wilshere – true greats. Perhaps the one with most talent was Ravel Morrison. Caveat emptor. Maybe Paul Pogba still has ambition to be a Liam Brady??
Pogba ? Not keen. Yesterday’s man and he blows hot and cold. Surly we can do better.
Swerve Pogba at all costs!