It doesn't seem like Juventus is going to wait for a potential doping penalty for Paul Pogba. The French midfielder has not been in action since September, as he is currently suspended following a positive doping test.
At the outset of the current football season, Paul Pogba found himself embroiled in controversy that has significantly marred his professional career.
The Juventus midfielder was caught using Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substance known for its testosterone-boosting properties. This incident came to light following a positive test after Juventus's match against Udinese on August 20. Despite this setback, Pogba made an appearance in one subsequent match for the club, which, as events are unfolding, might very well have been his last outing in a Juventus shirt.
The reaction from Italian media has been swift and decisive, signaling that Juventus's patience with Pogba has reached its breaking point. Reports are circulating that the club views Pogba's situation as a 'closed case,' with an announcement expected shortly regarding the termination of his contract. This development comes after Juventus had already taken the step of freezing Pogba's salary, a move that underscored the growing distance between the player and the club.
The gravity of Pogba's predicament is compounded by the fact that he is still awaiting the final verdict in his doping case. The potential consequences are severe, with Pogba facing a possible four-year ban from professional football. Such a penalty would not only cast a long shadow over his future but also serve as a cautionary tale within the sport about the implications of doping violations.
Pogba's journey with Juventus has been marked by significant highs and lows. His initial spell at the club, which ended in 2016 when he transferred to Manchester United for a then world-record fee of €105 million, was a period of remarkable success and personal growth. Pogba returned to Juventus six years later, amidst much fanfare, on a free transfer, with hopes of recapturing the form that had made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world. However, a series of injuries severely limited his ability to contribute on the field, and now, the doping scandal appears to have severed his ties with the Italian giants.
This turn of events is a dramatic fall from grace for a player who once commanded one of the highest transfer fees in football history. Pogba's second stint at Juventus, marked by unfulfilled potential and controversy, contrasts sharply with his initial tenure, during which he established himself as a key player for the club. As Juventus prepares to move forward without him, Pogba's career stands at a crossroads, with his legacy and future prospects hanging in the balance. The resolution of his doping case will be pivotal in determining the path forward for a player who, not long ago, was considered among the elite of the football world.
