Paul Pogba finally terminates contract with Juventus, soon to sign pre agreement contract “I want to be honest and clear, my contract with Juventus has been terminated. As of now, I’m a free agent. I’ll soon be signing a pre-contract agreement with Arsenal, and it’s something I feel I owe to the club. They stood by me when I needed it most, helped me get back on the pitch, and now it’s my turn to give back.
Paul Pogba’s football career has faced a series of setbacks in recent years, with the most recent being a four-year suspension for doping. The 31-year-old French midfielder initially appeared to be at the end of his playing days after failing a doping test in 2023, which resulted in the harsh ban. However, after filing an appeal, Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months, allowing him a possible return to the field. Despite this glimmer of hope, his future at Juventus, where he made a much-anticipated return in 2022, remains uncertain.
Pogba’s second spell at Juventus has been far from successful. Fans had high hopes for his return in July 2022, expecting the former star to breathe new life into the team. Unfortunately, injuries marred his season, limiting him to only 12 appearances. Just as things seemed to be improving, Pogba tested positive for DHEA, a substance banned in professional sports. He has consistently claimed that the drug was ingested unintentionally, but the consequences were severe, resulting in the threat of a lengthy suspension.
Now that his ban has been shortened to 18 months, Pogba is expected to return to training by January 2025, with a potential comeback to competitive matches by March. However, his standing at Juventus is shaky. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the club is likely to reach a mutual agreement to terminate Pogba’s contract, which was originally set to last until 2026. Juventus CEO Maurizio Scanavino confirmed that negotiations with Pogba’s camp are ongoing, and a resolution is expected soon.
As the possibility of leaving Juventus looms, Pogba’s career could take a new direction. Rumors are circulating about a potential transfer to Marseille, where his former Manchester United teammate, Mason Greenwood, currently plays. Greenwood, who also faced a controversial exit from Manchester United, is working to rebuild his career in France, and a reunion between the two players could be on the horizon. Malick Traore of NCI has suggested that discussions between Pogba and Marseille are progressing well, with a deal possibly taking shape in the winter transfer window.
Despite his upcoming return to the pitch, Pogba’s doping case continues to cast a shadow over his legacy. His positive test for DHEA in October 2023, following a random drug screening, has sparked significant controversy. While Pogba has steadfastly maintained his innocence, the damage to his reputation has already been done. Some view the reduced suspension as a positive outcome, but many question whether this scandal will leave a lasting mark on his career.
As Pogba approaches the end of his suspension, the football world is eager to see what comes next. His decisions in the coming months will be crucial to both his professional future and the perception of any clubs that choose to sign him. If Pogba ends up at Marseille, the club could benefit from his wealth of experience and undeniable talent, but they would also be inheriting a player still caught up in controversy. Should he opt for a different path, it will be intriguing to see which clubs are willing to gamble on his ability to regain his former glory.
Pogba’s fitness, match-readiness after his extended absence, and clubs’ willingness to look past his doping history will all play major roles in determining his future. Whatever lies ahead, Pogba’s return to the football world is sure to be met with anticipation, speculation, and debate.