Barcelona Missed Rare Opportunity To Sign Paul Pogba From Juventus, Says Former Consultant

Former FC Barcelona adviser Arieda Braida revealed that he was putting together a massive deal that could have lured Paul Pogba over to Camp Nou.

Unfortunately, the recruitment didn't push through as the 74-year-old consultant lacked enough support from the club's top brass to poach one of the most highly-touted prospects at that time.

"It's not a lie. It is true that Albert Soler and I went to Milan and met with the Juventus board," Braida told Goal.

Despite the vision of seeing Pogba donning the signature Barca tri-colored jersey, Braida claimed that the front office had other plans and suggested other names in the market.

"But despite the talks, there was no real intention to sign him. In fact, Pogba ended up staying that summer in Turin and did not go to another club. I said he was a great player. I was talking about it with Albert Soler, with whom I consider that he had a good personal relationship," he recalled.

"But again, professionally we could not work together because I was not allowed."

Other than the prolific French midfielder, several top talents were on Braida’s wish list such as Erling Haaland. But like when he pitched the idea of acquiring Pogba, it also fell on deaf ears.

"I was studying players and I wrote down some names like Haaland from Borussia Dortmund when he was still playing for Rosenborg. But at the club, they told me no, that he didn't have the Barca profile,” he bared.

Haaland has now developed into a consistent scorer, amassing 23 goals across 26 appearances for BVB.

"From Italy, I also suggested other names such as Barella, who is now at Inter, or Zaniolo, from Roma. But if you do not have the responsibility to execute this because it has been given to others, you cannot do anything. I was separated," he explained.

In spite of these, the Blaugranas aim to remain competitive with Lionel Messi staying as a member of the team.

Barcelona is slated to face Pogba’s former squad Juventus in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.