Remember the summer of 2016? It felt less like a football transfer window and more like a Hollywood blockbuster unfolding in slow motion. The buzz surrounding Paul Pogba was immense. What followed wasn’t just another player switching clubs—it was a cultural and financial turning point in modern football.

The One That Got Away: Pogba’s First United Exit

To fully understand the magnitude of his return, rewind to 2012. A young Pogba, disillusioned with limited chances at Manchester United, left for Juventus on a free transfer. At Juve, he evolved into one of the most dominant midfielders in the world—combining power, flair, and precision in equal measure.

The Transfer Saga of the Decade

By 2016, Manchester United wanted their man back. But this wasn’t just another deal—it was a saga. Every tweet, every Raiola quote, every airport photo fed the frenzy. Fans and media dubbed it Pogback. The suspense was thick, the coverage relentless, and the world watched on as the most expensive transfer in football history unfolded.

Breaking Records: €105 Million for Pogba

On August 9, 2016, it became official: Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United for a then-world-record fee of €105 million (£89 million). It was a thunderclap moment that redefined the scale of player valuations. The Premier League club had just smashed the previous record, making a bold statement under new manager José Mourinho.

Mourinho's Masterplan: The Prodigal Son Returns

United had strategic reasons. Mourinho saw Pogba as the midfield general he needed. Pogba had the flair, strength, and marketability to lead a new era. There was also the emotional narrative—the academy graduate returning home as a global superstar. It was as much a commercial decision as it was a footballing one.

On-Field Highs and Lows

With the weight of an £89 million price tag on his shoulders, Pogba’s performances were constantly under the microscope. He showed flashes of brilliance—decisive goals, League Cup and Europa League triumphs—but also struggled with consistency, injuries, and endless tactical debates. His talent was undeniable; his impact, divisive.

A Deal That Reshaped the Market

Pogba’s transfer wasn’t just about United—it shifted the entire footballing landscape. It paved the way for future nine-figure transfers like Neymar, Mbappé, and Coutinho. Clubs were now willing to spend astronomical sums not only for performance, but for brand value and marketability too.

Full Circle: Leaving on a Free Again

In 2022, Pogba’s story came full circle—leaving Manchester United once again on a free transfer. His six-year stay had yielded silverware, memories, and countless headlines, but also left fans asking what could’ve been. The saga ended as dramatically as it had begun, bookending a truly unique football journey.

Legacy of a Blockbuster Transfer

Pogba’s second stint at Manchester United remains one of football’s most discussed and dissected chapters. More than just a player’s journey, it was a defining case study in modern football economics, media spectacle, and the pressures of living up to a price tag. Love it or question it—Pogback will forever be a moment that shook the football world.