Paul Pogba’s return. Will he join Man United, Mourinho, Messi or Marseille? | OneFootball

After serving a doping ban, Paul Pogba is allowed to resume his career this month and is available as a free agent.

Pogba has had a roller coaster career, with enormous highs and lows. The 31-year-old will hope he is about to embark on another rise to the top as he prepares to make his return to football after being banned for a doping offence in August 2023.

Pogba’s story

At the age of 18, Pogba was handed his first professional start by Sir Alex Ferguson. The midfielder had spent two years in the Manchester United academy before being promoted to the first team. However, after a solitary campaign in the senior squad, the Frenchman declined to extend his contract and exited for Juventus.

It was in Turin that Pogba would first rise to wider footballing fane. The midfielder enjoyed a magnificent four year spell with the Italian giants. Within 18 months of moving to Italy, Pogba was named as the 2013 Golden Boy. He won the Serie A in every season he spent with Juventus and played a starring role in the dominant side that reached the 2015 Champions League final.

After an impressive time in Turin, Pogba returned to Manchester for a world record £89.5 million transfer fee. The price tag was an indication of his talents but it would largely be used against him whenever his standards slipped during his second spell with United. The midfielder had a mixed time at Old Trafford where he received lots of criticism and was often a scapegoat. That said, he scored the winning goal in the 2017 Europa League final and he was named in the 2018/19 Premier League team of the year. The highlight of his career also came during this time as he was a key player in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.

Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer in July 2022 but knee problems meant he did not make his second debut until February the following year. He made only nine appearances and started just once during his first season back with the Old Lady. However, the following season would go even worse for the Frenchman.

Doping ban

In August 2023, Pogba failed a drug test and was provisionally suspended from playing. His test results revealed the presence of testosterone levels higher than the body does not naturally produce.

The Frenchman was handed a four year ban from football. He appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CAS accepted that Pogba did not intentionally dope and his punishment was reduced to an 18 month ban.

The midfielder has been permitted to train since January and will be eligible to play again in March 2025. He will return to football as a free agent after a mutual agreement was made to terminate his Juventus contract.

Who could sign him?

Although Pogba is yet to prove whether or not he can be the electric talent that commanded a world record transfer fee, there will still be plenty of interest in the World Cup winner. Transfer windows are shut around Europe and it is rare for a player of Pogba’s pedigree to become available as a free agent during the season.

Man United

Man United are one of the teams that have been linked with the Frenchman. It could be a shocking and blockbuster return to the club. United are continuing to struggle this season and they were evidently not active enough in the January window. The Reds have slumped to the lower half of the Premier League table and are not showing any sign of improvement. Knocked out of both domestic cups, winning the Europa League is the only chance that United have of securing European football for next season. Injuries have left them low on numbers and short of attacking talent. With his creativity, Pogba could benefit Ruben Amorim’s teams in both of these departments.

Fenerbahce

Pogba has also been linked with Fenerbahce and a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho. The Turkish giants are chasing rivals Galatasaray for the league title. Fenerbahce have assembled an impressive squad across recent transfer windows, as they aim to secure their first title in over a decade. The midfielder did not always have a perfect relationship with Mourinho during their time together but they are both aware of each other’s talents. Pogba would be a great addition to Fenerbahce and the Turkish side will not be shy to pay his wages.

Marseille

Marseille are another club that are reportedly in the running for Pogba’s signature. Since leaving at 16, the midfielder has never played club football in his home country. The historic French side have recruited a number of high profile players as well as highly-rated manager Roberto De Zerbi. They currently sit second in Ligue 1 although a push for the title is unlikely given PSG’s 13 point advantage. The Blues are looking to break the stranglehold that PSG have on the French title and Pogba would greatly boost their efforts.

Inter Miami

Inter Miami are the current favourites to secure the services of the Frenchman. Owned by David Beckham, the MLS side already have a wealth of superstars on their roster. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and co could soon be joined by Pogba. The midfielder already has an apartment in Miami and he has been living there whilst serving his ban. The World Cup winner was recently pictured with Beckham in attendance of a Miami game. The favourites to win the MLS are also the most likely destination for Pogba.