Paul Pogba today Tuesday March 11 became free to return to professional football after serving an 18-month suspension for doping.
The 31-year-old French midfielder completed his ban on March 11 and is now free to seek a new club.
Currently, Pogba trains solo and has been sharing videos of his workouts on social media. With his suspension over, he is ready to take charge of his future.
In September 2023, Pogba faced a four-year suspension after testing positive for testosterone, but this was later reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
With his last match occurring on September 3, 2023, Pogba has been training to maintain his fitness.
However, the lack of competitive rhythm combined with the critical phase of the season for many leagues presents a significant challenge for his return.
Having parted ways with Juventus in November, despite having one year remaining on his contract, Pogba is now looking for opportunities in the football market.
However, the closure of transfer markets has limited his options significantly, even as a free agent.
The Ligue 1 is not an option, as the league does not permit the signing of a player without a contract in the second half of the season, although Olympique de Marseille had previously shown interest.
Other top European leagues, including Serie A, also appear unlikely destinations for Pogba.
While Serie A teams can sign free agents post-transfer window, the fallout from Pogba’s scandal in Turin makes a return to Italy improbable.
Similar challenges arise in LaLiga, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League.
Inter Miami, featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Javier Mascherano, has been mentioned as a possible landing spot, especially since Pogba has a home in Miami and has met with David Beckham several times.
