It sounds more like on reflection that it was a jab at Ineos being desperate for a GT hopeful.Weird story, but the manager of Pogacar said that INEOS asked if he was a free agent. The manager said, no he's under contract.
As if INEOS wouldn't know this... Looks more as if the manager is trying to arrange a better contract for Pogacar by talking to the press about interest from INEOS. But why would UAE open his contract for a better one if he has a contract until 2027... Just a weird story in general.