Paul Pogba Transfer Rumours: Going to Manchester United?
Paul Pogba’s 18-month suspension from professional football officially ended on Tuesday. However, the French midfielder is in no rush to commit to a new club and is expected to delay his decision until the end of the season, as ESPN reports.
The former Manchester United and Juventus star has limited options at present, with only Major League Soccer (MLS) and Japan’s J1 League open for transfers. The MLS transfer window remains open until April 23, while Japan’s J1 League window closes on March 26.
Pogba Prioritising European Football Return
Sources indicate that Pogba is keen on securing a move back to one of Europe’s top leagues. Although he remains open to exploring different options, he has also been in discussions with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
Several clubs have already expressed interest in signing Pogba in recent months, including Ligue 1 side Marseille, Serie A’s Fiorentina, and multiple La Liga clubs. However, sources confirm that the 2018 World Cup winner has turned down offers from the Saudi Pro League and Brazil’s Serie A.
While a return to Manchester United has been rumoured for a while, it is now believed that this will not be the case, as Fabrizio Romano has pointed out that the Red Devils are “heading in a different direction”, as they will be mostly focused on investing and promoting young players like new additions Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven.
Aiming for the 2026 World Cup
With his sights set on representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Pogba believes that playing in a top European league, preferably with a team competing in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League, will provide him with the best pathway to international selection.
Suspension Reduced Following Appeal
Initially, Pogba was handed a four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance. However, after appealing the decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the suspension to 18 months. This sanction officially ended on Tuesday, allowing the midfielder to resume training and competitive football.
Long Spell Without Competitive Football
The 31-year-old last featured in a competitive match in September 2023, making a brief 29-minute appearance for Juventus. However, he has not completed a full 90-minute game since March 2022, when he was still playing for Manchester United.
Throughout his suspension, Pogba has remained active by training independently with a personal coach. He has also participated in informal football matches in Miami, where he has been living with his family. He intends to stay there while carefully evaluating his next move before committing to a new club at the end of the season.
With Pogba now free to return to football, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining his next destination. His decision is likely to attract significant interest as clubs assess whether to bring the talented but controversial midfielder back into the European football spotlight.