DC United in talks with Paul Pogba over free transfer | OneFootball

DC United have been in talks with former Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba over a free transfer following his 18-month doping ban, according to the Washington Post.

The France international was released by the Bianconeri in November last year. The midfielder has been eligible to play since March 11, but he has yet to choose his next club.

Marseille were recently front-runners to sign him, but Les Phoceens president Pablo Longoria clarified that the club decided against signing Pogba midway through the season.

The 39-year-old highlighted that Pogba’s recovery time would have hampered the balance of the squad and increased expectations, which Marseille preferred to avoid.

DC United own the Major League Soccer discovery rights for Pogba and are clear favourites to sign him if he restarts his career in the United States.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have also been credited with an interest in the 2018 World Cup winner, but won’t be permitted to speak with Pogba unless they acquire discovery rights from DC.

Pogba is expected to make a final decision over his future in the coming weeks. He is also exploring opportunities in Europe and the Middle East as he aims to return to the playing field.

Where could Pogba move next after Juventus exit?

The 32-year-old has had a huge downslide in his career since his free transfer to Juventus from Manchester United.

The Frenchman struggled with plenty of short-term injuries during the back end of his United career, and the trend continued at the Bianconeri. He picked up eight injuries in the space of 15 months before he tested positive for a banned substance in September 2023.

After an 18-month gap, Pogba has his sights on reviving his career. A move to the United States capital with DC would be a lucrative destination. He could likewise be tempted to join Miami, considering he has a residence in the city.

It would be no surprise if Pogba contemplates the possibility of staying in Europe or moving to Saudi Arabia. Marseille decided against a mid-season deal, but they could make a renewed approach at the end of the campaign.

There could be clubs in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A who could also be tempted to hand him a short-term deal. A Saudi move would provide Pogba with a big payday and could also encourage his bid to return to international football.

Many people thought that N’Golo Kante’s international career was over when he left Chelsea for Al-Ittihad a few years ago. The midfielder had an injury-plagued final season with the Blues but has had a tremendous turnaround in the Middle East.

France manager Didier Deschamps opened the door for Kante’s return to the national side out of the blue. Pogba has an outside chance to do so if he can find form and consistency on his comeback and stay injury-free.