Paul Pogba, the 31-year-old French midfielder, is actively seeking a new club after his contract with Juventus was terminated last week.
The former Manchester United star, who has not played competitively since September 2023 due to a doping ban, is training in Miami to ensure he is fit for a potential move in the January transfer window.
Pogba’s ban, which stemmed from testing positive for the banned substance DHEA, was initially four years long but has been reduced to 18 months following an appeal.
This reduction means that Pogba can resume training in January and make his return to competitive football in March 2025.
Sources have indicated that Pogba is aiming to rebuild his career by joining one of Europe’s top five leagues, with a preference for a French side, where he hopes to secure a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad, from which he has fallen out of favor.
Several clubs have reportedly been in contact with Pogba’s entourage regarding a potential transfer. However, no deal has been finalized yet.
Pogba, who has been in Miami focusing on regaining match fitness, commented last month, stating, “My main focus right now is just to get myself ready. I keep training and everything. Get ready for being able to join a team in January.”
Pogba’s time at Juventus has been marred by injuries and the recent doping scandal.
After returning to the club in 2022 following a high-profile stint at Manchester United, Pogba made only eight Serie A appearances before his ban.
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Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to continue his career at a high level and is focused on ensuring that he is in peak condition for his next move.
There has been speculation about a potential return to Manchester United, but sources close to Pogba suggest that he is not considering a third stint at Old Trafford.
Instead, he is exploring options in Europe’s elite leagues, with a return to France appearing to be his priority.
His potential move to Arsenal has also been discussed, with former France defender Bacary Sagna expressing his support for the idea.
Sagna said, “The Premier League suits Paul Pogba – I would love to see him join Arsenal. He has experience; he loves to play with young players around him – that is when he is most efficient. At the 2018 World Cup, that was when he was most efficient – he had friends around him. Arsenal have a young, fresh team, and I see him performing in an Arsenal shirt.”
In a statement confirming his departure from Juventus, Pogba said, “There are times when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable. You have given me so much, more than I can express in words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you have given me. You will always be in my heart. Good luck @juventus.”
