The Paul Pogba Transfer Is Finally Happening

For at least a month, it has been clear that Juventus star Paul Pogba would be transferring to Manchester United, with the only question being how much money it would take. But while Pogba spent his post-Euro summer dicking around, the rumor mill went into overdrive: that Pogba would stay, that Real Madrid had made a bid, that a price had been agreed upon, that Pogba’s agent demanded more. It was exhausting and impossible track, impossible to separate fact from fiction.

But thankfully this game seems to becoming to an end, with Manchester United officially announcing today that Pogba was having a medical with the club, and unveiling the equal parts horrible and hilarious hashtag #POGBACK. While final contract terms have yet to be agreed upon, the fact that United is announcing the medical—an unusual step—indicates that is just a formality.

United’s midfield has needed strengthening for a half-decade, dating back to the Fergie years, and with Pogba they are gaining one of the best players in the world, who helped Juventus to four straight Serie A titles and a Champions League final.

They will be paying a very steep price for his services, however, with the expected €105 million transfer fee the most ever paid. It is an especially bitter pill to swallow because just four years ago, Pogba was a United player. But for some inexplicable reason Alex Ferguson preferred the fullback Rafael or the suddenly un-retired Paul Scholes to the 18-year-old Pogba, and after he left for Juventus Fergie accused him of lacking proper respect.

But the past is the past, and the Red Devils will soon have a great player to propel their challenge for fourth place.