Paul Pogba's doping ban comes to an end this Tuesday. The French midfielder was caught using testosterone in 2023. Clubs from various continents are reportedly interested in securing his services.
Paul Pogba's journey over the past year has been nothing short of tumultuous. Once regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, the French star saw his career come to an abrupt halt in 2023 after testing positive for testosterone.
The original four-year ban imposed on him threatened to end his playing days entirely, as it would have sidelined him well into his mid-30s. However, after an appeal, the suspension was reduced to eighteen months just enough time to keep his career hopes alive. Now, at nearly 32 years old, Pogba is once again a free agent, looking to reignite his footballing journey after Juventus decided to terminate his contract in November.
Pogba's doping case marked a dramatic fall from grace for a player who, just a few years ago, was a World Cup winner and one of the most expensive footballers of all time. His return to Juventus in 2022, following an underwhelming second stint at Manchester United, was supposed to be a fresh start. However, his time back in Turin was plagued by injuries, limiting his appearances and raising questions about his long-term fitness. Just as he was working to regain form, the doping suspension derailed everything.
Now that his ban has officially ended, Pogba must decide his next move carefully. Having been out of competitive football for a year and a half, any club willing to sign him will need to assess his physical condition and match fitness. Despite these concerns, his talent and experience remain undeniable, and interest in securing his services has already emerged from multiple clubs across different continents.
According to reports from Italian media, Inter Miami is closely monitoring Pogba’s situation. The club, based in a city where the Frenchman often spends time, could offer him an opportunity to transition into Major League Soccer, joining a team that has already attracted major European stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Miami’s ambition to strengthen its squad could make Pogba an ideal addition, both in terms of experience and commercial appeal.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League continues to lure top players, and Pogba has reportedly drawn interest from Al-Ittihad. The club, which already boasts the presence of Steven Bergwijn, could provide a reunion with N’Golo Kanté, with whom Pogba formed a formidable midfield partnership during France’s 2018 World Cup-winning campaign. Having two familiar faces alongside him could make the move to Saudi Arabia more appealing. Another club from the same league, Al-Shabab, is also reportedly in the race, with former Juventus vice president Pavel Nedvěd, now the sporting director of the Saudi club, potentially playing a key role in convincing Pogba to make the move.
In Europe, Olympique Marseille has also been linked with the midfielder. Marseille’s sporting director, Mehdi Benatia, initially ruled out signing Pogba in the middle of the season, but reports suggest that he has left the door open for a potential deal in the summer. A return to France could be an attractive proposition for Pogba, especially if he still harbors ambitions of competing at a high level in European football.
Where Pogba ultimately lands remains to be seen. Much will depend on his own priorities whether he seeks a competitive environment to prove himself once more or if he opts for a financially lucrative move to a league with less pressure. Regardless of his decision, his return to professional football will be closely followed, as many remain curious about whether he can still perform at the highest level after such a long absence.
