After an 18-month absence from football, Paul Pogba’s return to action is eagerly awaited as he remains a free agent following his release from Juventus in November. The French World Cup winner, who was found guilty of taking DHEA—a banned substance—will be eligible to resume training in January, sparking widespread speculation regarding his next club.
Interest from Marseille Fades
Despite early rumors linking Pogba with a move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille, the club’s sporting director, Medhi Benatia, has cast doubt on the prospect of signing the former Manchester United star. While Benatia acknowledged Pogba’s leadership and talent, he emphasized the need for caution when considering such a move.
“We have to be careful about the balance in our team,” Benatia explained in an interview with RMC Sport. “We already have high-performing players in the midfield.”
He praised Pogba’s qualities but pointed to concerns over his physical readiness and the time it might take for the 30-year-old to return to peak form.
“Paul knows the respect and affection I have for him. Beyond being a top player, he is a real leader. He has suffered a lot in recent seasons with physical problems. His body has let him down quite a bit. Then he had his suspension,” Benatia said.
While Pogba’s availability is tempting, Benatia added:
“Can Marseille afford to bring back a player like Pogba if he is not physically ready and we have to wait six months to see him at his best?”
This statement effectively distances Marseille from being a serious contender for Pogba’s signature, despite the enthusiasm of club legend Dimitri Payet, who previously described Pogba as a “dream” signing for OM.
Options Abroad: MLS and Saudi Pro League
With a return to France looking unlikely, Pogba’s options appear to lie outside Europe. Both Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and the Saudi Pro League have been touted as potential destinations.
- MLS: The North American league presents an attractive opportunity for Pogba to rebuild his career in a competitive but less physically demanding environment. The league has welcomed high-profile European stars in recent years, and Pogba’s arrival could significantly boost the league’s profile.
- Saudi Pro League: Although Pogba has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia, the country’s emphasis on maintaining a “clean-cut” image for its players could pose an obstacle. Given Pogba’s recent suspension, Saudi clubs might hesitate to pursue him, despite his undeniable talent.
Pogba’s Uncertain Future
As Pogba prepares to return to training in January, the next few months will be critical in determining his future. The midfielder’s fitness and ability to prove he can return to top form will likely be decisive factors for any interested clubs.
While Manchester City’s rumored interest seems unlikely to materialize, the allure of MLS remains strong, with the league offering Pogba a fresh start in a less scrutinized environment. For now, however, Pogba faces an uphill battle to regain his reputation and secure his place at a new club.
With his talent and leadership qualities still in demand, the football world will be watching closely to see where Paul Pogba’s next chapter unfolds.
