Paul Pogba’s time at Juventus has come to an official end, with the club confirming that the French midfielder will not rejoin the squad despite his doping ban being reduced from four years to 18 months. Pogba, who had hoped to make a comeback and even expressed his willingness to accept a pay cut, will instead part ways with the Italian giants as Juventus moves in a different direction.
Juventus’ Decision to Move Forward
Pogba, who signed a lucrative contract with Juventus in 2022 after returning from Manchester United, was under contract until the summer of 2026. However, his time back in Turin was marred by injuries and, ultimately, a doping scandal that led to his suspension in 2023. Recently, his ban was reduced to 18 months, which made him eligible to return to action in March 2025. Despite this reduction, Juventus has decided to close the chapter on Pogba.
Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’ sporting director, made the club’s position clear in a statement: “Pogba has been a great player, but we had to make investments in other players during his absence. Now, our squad is complete, and we are moving in a different direction.”
Pogba’s career at Juventus, which began with so much promise after a successful first spell between 2012 and 2016, has come to an abrupt and disappointing end. His second stint at the club saw him struggle with injuries, and his off-the-field issues only compounded the situation. While Pogba has been vocal about his desire to return, Juventus is focused on building a future without the French midfielder.
Juventus director Giuntoli confirms it’s over between Paul Pogba and the club.
“Pogba was a great player but we have different plans now. We’ve invested on different players and our team is now complete”, Giuntoli says.
⚠️ Pogba will leave Juve as free agent. pic.twitter.com/xNG7hxS5N9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2024
Negotiations Over Contract Termination
With Pogba’s future at Juventus now decided, attention turns to the terms of his departure. Juventus and Pogba are expected to negotiate a contract termination, which could save the club significant wages. Pogba, who remains one of the highest earners at the club, has reportedly been open to a pay cut to facilitate a return, but it seems Juventus is eager to part ways entirely.
A contract termination would free Pogba to explore new opportunities, with several clubs reportedly interested in signing the 2018 World Cup winner. Among the top contenders are Ligue 1 side Marseille, where he could reunite with Roberto De Zerbi, and Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC, which has been linked as a potential destination for Pogba if he becomes a free agent.
Potential Destinations for Pogba
Pogba’s availability as a free agent is expected to attract interest from various clubs worldwide, but two destinations stand out: Marseille and MLS.
- Marseille: One of the most likely options for Pogba is a move to Marseille. Reports have suggested that he could be eager to return to his home country and join forces with Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille’s current manager. Pogba’s skill set and leadership could bring much-needed experience to the team, and a fresh start in Ligue 1 may be the perfect opportunity to revive his career.
- MLS – Los Angeles FC: Another option on the table for Pogba is a switch to Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles FC reportedly showing interest. MLS has become a popular destination for high-profile European players nearing the twilight of their careers, and Pogba could find success in the U.S., where the pressure and media scrutiny are far less intense than in Europe. Additionally, the opportunity to live in Los Angeles and play for a top team in MLS could be appealing to Pogba as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Pogba’s Decline at Juventus
Pogba’s return to Juventus in 2022 was meant to be a triumphant homecoming, with fans eager to see the midfielder replicate the success he enjoyed during his first spell at the club. However, his second tenure was plagued by setbacks. The French international made only a handful of appearances for Juventus due to a series of injuries, and his doping scandal ultimately derailed any hope of a comeback.
Pogba tested positive for testosterone during a Serie A match in September 2023, leading to an immediate suspension. The original ban was set at four years, but following an appeal, it was reduced to 18 months, making him eligible for a return in March 2025. Unfortunately, Juventus’ decision to move on from Pogba means that he will not get the chance to wear the club’s famous black-and-white stripes again.
Juventus’ Future Without Pogba
While Pogba’s exit marks the end of an era, Juventus has already started building a team for the future. The club has invested in younger talent and made key signings to strengthen the squad during Pogba’s absence. This forward-thinking approach has left little room for a player like Pogba, who, despite his immense talent, has struggled with consistency in recent years.
Juventus’ focus now is on maintaining their competitiveness in Serie A and in European competitions, and with a clear squad in place, the club is prepared to move forward without Pogba’s influence.
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