Paul Pogba’s Doping Ban Ends, Future Uncertain

French midfielder Paul Pogba, 31, is eligible to return to professional football after completing an 18-month doping suspension on March 11th. Pogba is now a free agent, actively seeking a new club.

Pogba was initially handed a four-year ban in September 2023 after testing positive for testosterone. The Court of Arbitration for Sport subsequently reduced the suspension to 18 months. His last competitive match was on September 3, 2023. While he has maintained his fitness through individual training, the lack of competitive match rhythm and the timing of his return – during a crucial phase of many leagues’ seasons – present significant challenges.

Pogba parted ways with Juventus in November, despite having a year remaining on his contract. The closure of most major transfer windows severely restricts his immediate options.

A return to Ligue 1 is impossible, as the league prohibits signing unattached players in the second half of the season, despite previous interest from Olympique de Marseille. A return to Serie A is also considered unlikely due to the fallout from his doping ban in Italy. Similar obstacles exist in La Liga, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League.

Pogba’s most realistic options appear to be in smaller European leagues or in more “exotic but competitive” destinations such as Major League Soccer (MLS) or the Saudi Pro League. Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham and featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Javier Mascherano, has been mentioned as a potential destination, given Pogba’s existing connections to the club and ownership. However, MLS roster regulations regarding foreign players and designated players could complicate any potential move.

In Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad, where he could reunite with former teammates Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, might offer a financially attractive option.

Pogba himself has stated that he received “not very interesting” offers earlier this year, including one from Russia, which he did not consider. He continues to train individually, sharing updates on social media, and is now free to negotiate with clubs and determine the next step in his career. The circumstances surrounding his ban and the limited options available make his next move a subject of considerable interest.