Paul Pogba is free to return to competition from Tuesday following the expiration of his 18-month doping ban, but he now faces the challenge of finding a new club.
The former France international, who once starred for Manchester United and Juventus, is looking to move past three turbulent years and secure a team with hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup. Among his potential destinations is David Beckham’s MLS side, Inter Miami.
Pogba, a 91-cap midfielder, struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, leading to his Manchester United exit in 2022. His return to Juventus was marred by further setbacks, including a failed drugs test in August 2023, which initially resulted in a four-year ban before being reduced on appeal. Pogba attributed the positive test to a food supplement prescribed by a U.S. doctor.
Juventus terminated his contract last November, but those close to Pogba insist he is in top shape and has received multiple offers. His ultimate goal remains a return to the French national team for the next World Cup, though he would need to convince coach Didier Deschamps, with whom he maintains regular contact.
However, finding a club willing to take a chance on him after a lengthy absence won’t be easy. Pogba last played on September 3, 2023, for Juventus, and in January, he admitted that the offers he had received were not appealing, including opportunities to play in Russia.
Inter Miami appears to be a strong possibility, as Pogba resides in Florida and attended the club’s MLS season opener in February. He has also been training with Lionel Messi’s fitness coach to regain peak condition.
French club Marseille has also been linked with Pogba, with sporting director Medhi Benatia, a former Juventus teammate, reportedly interested. However, concerns about Pogba’s fitness after such a long spell out could make the club hesitant.
Beyond football, Pogba has endured personal struggles, including a 2022 kidnapping and extortion case involving his brother Mathias and childhood friends, who were sentenced to prison. After the trial’s conclusion in December, Pogba expressed his relief, stating, “I can finally turn the page on this extremely painful period and focus on the future.”
AFP
