The European football transfer market has been rocked by unexpected news that has put Real Madrid in the spotlight. According to recent reports, club president Florentino Pérez has personally presented a monumental offer to French midfielder Paul Pogba, who is currently a free agent after his contract with Juventus expires in July 2025. The proposal not only includes a colossal salary but also the possibility of inheriting the iconic number 10 shirt that Luka Modrić, a club legend, has worn with distinction for over a decade. This offer comes at a crucial time for Real Madrid, who are looking to overhaul their midfield following Modrić’s departure to AC Milan, confirmed for June 5, 2025, according to Italian sources.

Paul Pogba, 32, has been a recurring name in Real Madrid transfer rumors for years. His undeniable talent, combined with his ability to dominate midfield with physicality and vision, makes him an attractive target for a club looking to remain at the top of world football. However, his career has been marked by ups and downs, including injuries and suspensions, such as the doping ban in 2023 that kept him out of action for 18 months. Despite these challenges, Pogba has shown glimpses of his best form since his return in March 2025, rekindling interest from elite clubs. According to a post on X on June 24, 2025, Pogba was seen wearing a Real Madrid shirt, declaring, “I think it’s time,” which has fueled speculation about his imminent arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Florentino Pérez’s offer, according to sources close to the club, includes a three-year contract with an annual salary that would exceed €15 million net, a figure that would place him among the team’s highest-paid players. Furthermore, the appeal of inheriting the number 10 shirt, which Modrić left behind after his departure, is a symbolic gesture that underscores Real Madrid’s ambition to position Pogba as the new midfield leader. Modrić, who signed with AC Milan for a salary of €5 million per year after accepting a significant reduction from the €10 million he earned in Madrid, left an indelible legacy with 28 titles, including six Champions League titles, according to Real Madrid’s official statement dated July 17, 2024.

Real Madrid’s interest in Pogba is not new. The club had already considered signing him in 2022, but Modrić’s renewal and the preference of Zinedine Zidane, then coach, halted negotiations. Now, with Xabi Alonso in charge following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, the club’s sporting project aims for a generational renewal, although Pogba’s arrival represents a commitment to experience combined with talent. The departures of Modrić and Toni Kroos have left a void in midfield, and while youngsters like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni are the future, Pogba could provide the necessary balance to compete in all competitions.

Pogba’s potential arrival is not without controversy. His injury history and off-field lifestyle have raised concerns among some fans, who fear he won’t live up to the expectations associated with the number 10 shirt. However, others see him as a player capable of reinventing himself, especially under Alonso, known for his tactical approach and ability to maximize his players’ performances. At X, opinions are divided: while some celebrate the possibility of seeing Pogba at the Bernabéu, others question whether the club should be investing in younger talents.

The Club World Cup, which kicked off on June 18, 2025, was the last stage where Modrić wore the white shirt, leaving an indelible mark. Now, the focus is on Pogba, whose decision will be key to Real Madrid’s immediate future. If he accepts Pérez’s offer, the Frenchman will not only inherit an iconic number, but also the responsibility of filling the void left by a legend. With the 2025-2026 season just around the corner, the football world is eagerly awaiting Pogba’s next move, which could mark a new chapter in Real Madrid’s history.