Paul Pogba is eligible to return to competition starting Tuesday, as his 18-month doping ban officially expires. However, the former France international must first find a new club to continue his career.
Having previously starred in midfield for Manchester United and Juventus, Pogba is eager to move past three years filled with injury setbacks, inconsistent form, and controversy. Now, he is on the lookout for a new team, with the goal of making it to the 2026 World Cup. Among his potential destinations is David Beckham’s MLS side, Inter Miami.
The 91-time capped midfielder struggled with injuries and form after leaving Manchester United in 2022. He returned to Juventus for a second stint, but his time there was marred by continued issues. In August 2023, Pogba failed a drugs test after a match in Italy, resulting in a four-year doping ban, which was later reduced on appeal. Juventus terminated his contract in November, but Pogba remains determined to get back on track.
Despite his turbulent few years, Pogba’s entourage insists he is training hard and in high spirits, and he has received several offers. His ultimate goal remains making the France squad for next year’s World Cup, though at 32, he must first convince head coach Didier Deschamps. According to one of Pogba’s close friends, the player is in regular contact with Deschamps, who acts as one of his key advisors for sporting decisions.
However, with his last competitive appearance coming on September 3, 2023, for Juventus, the question remains: who will be interested in signing a player whose form has been uncertain due to a long absence from competitive play?
In January, Pogba revealed on social media that while he had received offers, they were not appealing — including one from Russia, which he turned down. He acknowledged that his next contract would depend on various factors beyond his control.
Inter Miami could be a promising option. Pogba resides in Florida and attended Inter Miami’s opening MLS match of the season on February 23 against New York City. He has been working on his fitness with the team’s fitness coach, who also works with Lionel Messi. Pogba has shared updates of his intense training sessions with his 62.7 million Instagram followers, alongside his other passion for fashion.
French club Marseille has also shown interest, with football director Medhi Benatia, a former Juventus teammate of Pogba, reportedly keen on a move. However, Marseille may be reluctant to take a chance on Pogba, given the uncertainty surrounding his form after such a prolonged absence.
Pogba has also faced personal challenges, including being the victim of a kidnapping and extortion case in 2022. His brother, Mathias, and five childhood friends were sentenced to prison for their involvement in the crime. Following the trial’s conclusion in December, Pogba expressed relief, stating, “I can finally turn the page on this extremely painful period. This conclusion is an opportunity for everyone to focus on the future.”
As Pogba looks to rebuild both his career and personal life, his next move remains uncertain, but he is determined to reclaim his place in football and potentially make one last push for international glory at the 2026 World Cup.
AFP
