Paul Pogba is free to return to competition starting Tuesday, as the 18-month doping ban that sidelined the former France international has now expired. However, the 30-year-old midfielder still needs to find a new club.
After a turbulent period marked by injuries and inconsistent form, Pogba is eager to move past the chaos of the last few years and is actively seeking a new team. He aims to return to top form and make a push for the 2026 World Cup, with Inter Miami, David Beckham’s MLS side, among the potential destinations.
Pogba, who previously played for Manchester United and Juventus, left the Red Devils in 2022 and rejoined Juventus, but his time in Italy was also marred by problems. In August 2023, a failed drugs test led to a four-year ban, which was later reduced on appeal. Pogba attributed the positive test to a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the U.S.
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Juventus terminated his contract in November 2023, but according to his entourage, Pogba is in high spirits and has been training intensely. He has received several offers but remains focused on a return to top-level football.
His dream is to play in the 2026 World Cup, but at 32, he will need to convince France coach Didier Deschamps. The two remain in regular contact, with Deschamps advising Pogba on his career decisions.
As for potential clubs, Pogba has stated that he has received “proposals, not very interesting stuff,” including offers from Russia, which he declined. One possible option is Inter Miami, where Pogba resides in Florida. He attended the team’s first match of the season in February and has been training with the fitness coach of the club’s superstar, Lionel Messi.
French club Marseille is also reportedly interested in Pogba, with football director Mehdi Benatia, a former Juventus teammate, linked to the move. However, given Pogba’s long absence, Marseille may hesitate to take the risk on a player with uncertain form.
On a personal note, Pogba has faced significant challenges, including being a victim of a kidnapping and extortion case in 2022. His brother Mathias and several of his childhood friends received prison sentences for their involvement. After the trial concluded in December 2023, Pogba expressed relief, stating, “I can finally turn the page on this extremely painful period,” and emphasized his focus on the future.
