Paul Pogba is reportedly close to a much-anticipated return to football, with advanced negotiations for him to join a new club once his current ban is lifted. The French midfielder, whose recent months have been filled with controversy, is beginning to see hope after his doping suspension was significantly reduced, allowing him to resume training by January 2025.
Initially, Pogba faced the possibility of a four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts hormone production, including testosterone. Such a lengthy suspension would have likely ended his career at the top level. However, following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), his ban was shortened to 18 months, providing Pogba a second chance. This reduced ban allows him to begin training in early 2025, with a possible return to competitive play as early as March of that year.
Juventus, Pogbaโs current club, is expected to mutually terminate his contract, marking the conclusion of a turbulent second stint with the Italian team. After rejoining Juventus in 2022 from Manchester United, Pogba has struggled due to injuries and the doping scandal that overshadowed his season. With his exit from Turin approaching, he is now considering his options for the next phase of his career.
One of the most exciting developments comes from journalist Malick Traore of NCI, who reports that Marseille is making significant strides in negotiations to bring Pogba back to France. This potential move has generated interest throughout Europe, as fans eagerly await news of Pogbaโs next destination. If finalized in January, Pogba would join a talented squad featuring his former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay, and Pierre Emile-Hรธjbjerg. Under the leadership of ex-Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille is positioning itself as a strong contender in Ligue 1.
Additionally, the French club recently strengthened its midfield by signing Adrien Rabiot, Pogbaโs former teammate at Juventus, on a free transfer. The prospect of Pogba reuniting with familiar faces at Marseille adds to the excitement surrounding his potential return. This move would signify a pivotal chapter in Pogbaโs career, bringing him back to his homeland after years abroad in England and Italy. The saga began when Pogba tested positive for DHEA during the first match of the 2023/24 season in August. The ruling, which came in October 2023, cast uncertainty over his future, but Pogba has always insisted on his innocence, maintaining that the positive test stemmed from a doctor-prescribed nutritional supplement without performance-enhancing properties.
After his successful appeal, Pogba expressed immense relief in a public statement. โFinally, the nightmare is over,โ he stated, according to Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail. โWith the Court of Arbitration for Sportโs decision, I can look forward to pursuing my dreams again. I have always maintained that I did not intentionally violate anti-doping regulations when I used a doctor-prescribed nutritional supplement that does not enhance athletic performance.โ
Pogba reiterated his commitment to playing with integrity, acknowledging the strict nature of anti-doping rules and thanking the judges for their fair consideration of his case. He admitted that the last few months had been incredibly stressful, with his career at stake, but expressed gratitude for the support he received during this challenging time.
As the football community eagerly anticipates Pogbaโs return, there is renewed hope that he can reclaim his status as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. Whether at Marseille or another club, Pogbaโs journey is far from over, and fans worldwide will be closely watching as he takes his next steps toward redemption and a triumphant comeback.