Good news for Manchester United as Juventus has officially issued a new statement that signifies their willingness on the move of Paul Pogba as he reportedly enters “advanced” discussions about a potential return to Manchester United. The statement also contains the amount the move would cost.
Paul Pogba’s football career has experienced a rocky period in recent years, with a doping violation leading to a four-year suspension. The 31-year-old French midfielder’s future looked bleak after failing a doping test in 2023, resulting in a severe punishment. However, following a successful appeal, his suspension was reduced to 18 months, giving him a second chance at returning to the sport. Despite this reprieve, his future at Juventus, the club he rejoined in 2022, seems to be nearing its end.
Pogba’s second stint at Juventus has been far from the triumphant return both he and the club had hoped for. When he re-signed with the team in July 2022, fans were eager to see him restore his dominant presence on the field. Unfortunately, his first season was plagued by injuries, restricting him to just 12 appearances. Matters worsened when Pogba tested positive for DHEA, a prohibited substance, further complicating his career. Although he has maintained his innocence, insisting he did not knowingly ingest the substance, the damage was already done, and his career was under threat.
Now, with his suspension shortened to 18 months, Pogba is set to resume training in January 2025, with a potential return to action by March of that year. However, his future at Juventus remains in doubt. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggests that the club may terminate Pogba’s contract, which was initially set to expire in 2026, through a mutual agreement. Juventus CEO Maurizio Scanavino has confirmed ongoing discussions between the club and Pogba’s representatives, with an outcome expected in the coming months.
As Pogba’s time at Juventus likely draws to a close, there are rumors about his next move. Some reports suggest he could join Marseille, where his former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood has started to rebuild his career. Greenwood, who left Manchester United under controversial circumstances, is now finding his feet in Ligue 1, and Pogba might join him in a reunion of two players seeking a fresh start. Malick Traore of NCI has indicated that negotiations between Pogba and Marseille are progressing, and a deal could be finalized during the winter transfer window.
The controversy surrounding Pogba’s doping case continues to cloud his career. His positive test for DHEA, confirmed after an October 2023 random check, has drawn intense scrutiny. Despite his insistence that he never knowingly consumed a banned substance, doubts linger over whether this scandal will leave a permanent mark on his legacy.
As Pogba’s suspension nears its end, the football world will closely watch his next steps. His decisions in the coming months could shape the final chapters of his career, and any club that signs him will inherit both his talent and the baggage of recent controversies. If Pogba does end up at Marseille, the team would gain a seasoned player capable of making a significant impact, although his past may complicate the transition. Should Pogba explore other options, it remains to be seen which clubs would be willing to gamble on his talent despite his tarnished reputation.
Pogba’s journey back to the game will undoubtedly attract attention, with many speculating on whether he can regain his form and overcome the doping scandal that has overshadowed his recent career.