
Image credits: (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Paul Pogba is finally coming back to football after serving an 18-month doping suspension, which is set to end in March. The former Manchester United and Juventus star will be able to sign for a new club as a free agent, and he's not likely to be short on offers. Pogba was initially banned for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), but it was reduced in November after his partially successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Frenchman was subsequently released from his contract at Juventus, bringing to an end his miserable second spell in Turin, and has since been training hard to get into shape.
The question is: who will take a gamble on an enigmatic player who turns 32 next month and has not played a competitive game since September 2023? Pogba has expressed his desire to earn a recall to the France national team, but that won't be an easy task, especially if he has to settle for a club that cannot offer Champions League football. That's not to say there is no hope for the World Cup winner, though, because at his very best he remains one of the most talented midfielders in the business. The first step is regaining full fitness, and Pogba needs the platform to prove he can still handle the physical demands of high-level football before he can think about bigger things.
With that in mind, several clubs have been linked with a move for Pogba, including Manchester United, where he had a tumultuous period earlier in his career. Louis Saha has urged Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim to consider signing Pogba, citing the player's ability to bring guarantees, quality, confidence, and leadership to the team. Saha believes Pogba can show he has the ability to be one of the best in the league in his position, especially with the motivation and focus that he has to understand where he can improve and what parts of his game he needs to adapt. Manchester United is reportedly willing to offer Pogba a one-year contract, a cautious move reflecting concerns over his recent issues and lack of consistency.
Pogba's options extend beyond Manchester United, with Major League Soccer (MLS) also in talks with the player. The MLS has been bolstering its league with top stars, and Pogba might view the United States as a chance to revitalize his career in a different environment. Other potential destinations for Pogba include clubs that can offer him a chance to play in the Europa League or other European competitions. The following are some of the possible next destinations for Pogba:
- Manchester United
- MLS clubs
- Clubs offering Europa League football
- Clubs with a strong project and ambition
In conclusion, Pogba's comeback plans are underway, and he's seeking a fresh start after a turbulent spell away from the pitch. With several clubs interested in signing him, Pogba has a range of options to consider, from Manchester United to MLS clubs. Wherever he ends up, Pogba will be looking to regain his fitness and prove himself as one of the best midfielders in the business. The next few months will be crucial in determining Pogba's future, and football fans around the world will be watching with interest to see where he ends up and how he performs.
pogba paul dop destination comeback ban mls manchester plan unit
Related Tags