Paul Pogba Weighs Multiple Club Offers as Doping Suspension Nears Conclusion

Paul Pogba is set to return to competitive football starting Tuesday, as the former French international’s 18-month doping suspension comes to an end. However, he faces the challenge of finding a new club.

The midfielder, who has had notable stints at Manchester United and Juventus, is eager to put the last three tumultuous years behind him and is actively seeking new employment in hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup. Among his potential destinations is Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team co-owned by David Beckham.

With 91 caps for France, Pogba’s recent years have been marred by a series of injuries and inconsistent performances, culminating in his exit from Manchester United in 2022. His return to Juventus did not unfold as hoped, as various issues continued to hinder his progress.

A failed drug test following a match in Italy in August 2023 initially resulted in a four-year ban, though this was later shortened upon appeal.

Pogba has attributed the positive test to a dietary supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States.

Juventus ended his contract last November, but according to a member of his team, Pogba “is training at 1,000 percent, he’s feeling positive and has received numerous offers.”

He harbours dreams of making it to next year’s World Cup, yet the 32-year-old must first persuade France’s coach Didier Deschamps of his fitness and readiness to play.

Pogba remains in regular communication with Deschamps, whom a close friend of the player describes as “one of his advisors on sporting decisions.”

However, many clubs might hesitate to sign a player whose last appearance was on September 3rd, 2023, during a match for Juventus.

Back in January, Pogba shared on social media that he had received “proposals that weren’t very appealing,” including offers to play in Russia, which he dismissed as not being his objective.

He admitted that securing a contract “doesn’t solely depend on me, but on many other factors.”

Inter Miami seems to be a viable option.

Pogba currently resides in Florida and was seen in the stands supporting Inter during their first MLS match of the season against New York City on February 23. He is also working on his fitness with the same coach who trains Lionel Messi, the club’s Argentine superstar.

On his Instagram, which boasts 62.7 million followers, Pogba has been posting pictures of his rigorous training sessions, along with photos showcasing his passion for fashion.

There are also reports suggesting that French club Marseille is interested, particularly as football director Medhi Benatia played with Pogba at Juventus.

However, Marseille could be cautious about taking a gamble on a player whose form might be uncertain following such an extended period of inactivity.

Pogba’s personal life has also faced challenges, having been a victim of a kidnapping and extortion case in 2022, for which his brother Mathias and five childhood friends received prison sentences.

“I can finally move on from this extremely painful chapter,” Pogba remarked following the conclusion of the trial in December last year.

“This resolution is an opportunity for everyone to concentrate on the future.”