One of Manchester United’s most maligned figures in recent years, Paul Pogba, is closing in on his long-awaited return to professional football.
Indeed, the World Cup-winning midfielder has been out of action since September 2023, when he was suspended for returning a positive doping test. Elevated levels of DHEA – a banned substance that raises testosterone levels – were found in his system when he was randomly tested following Juventus’ opening match of the season on August 20.
Pogba, 31, was initially dealt a four-year ban from all top-flight sporting activity. However, he was able to successfully appeal the lengthy suspension after experts supported his claims that he had ingested the substance unintentionally, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) confirming a reduction from four years to 18 months.
As such, he will be able to begin training again in January 2025 and officially take to the pitch again in March.
Pogba poised to bid Juventus farewell upon return to football
Following his release from the Red Devils in 2022, Pogba re-joined Juventus for a second stint, but, as was the case in his final season at Old Trafford, he was plagued by injuries in his first year back in Turin.
For now, he remains contracted to the Old Lady until 2026 while the board work on a mutual termination of his contract, which will allow him to become a free agent in the coming months. From there, it remains to be seen where he’ll take his talents.
Reports had suggested that he could revive his career surrounded by the home comforts of his native France, with Marseille, who currently sit third in Ligue 1, believed to be a possibility.
The 91-capped Frenchman has today opened the door to all avenues, refusing to rule out any move across Europe. He said, via Fabrizio Romano: “We don’t know what tomorrow will be made of, why not play in Ligue 1? I don’t have to say no.”
