This is the information that set the football world on fire last week. Suspended for doping for 4 years by the Italian anti-doping court for a positive test for DHEA, Paul Pogba saw his suspension reduced to 18 months by the CAS. The latter subsequently justified this choice: “She based her decision on the evidence and legal arguments put forward that Mr Pogba’s ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and resulted from taking a dietary supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida, who told him he was treating several high-level American and international athletes, who was knowledgeable and would take into account Mr. Pogba’s anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code.” Very good news for the player who can therefore fully concentrate on the athlete and the rest of his career.
Because at the age of 31 (32 at the end of his suspension in March), the French midfielder has lost a lot of time. Very quickly, his contractual situation got people talking. In Italy, Juventus, where he is under contract until 2026, did not wait long before making it clear in the press that they were absolutely no longer counting on him, on the contrary. The Old Lady, who has started an ambitious new project with Thiago Motta, wants to quickly separate from Paul Pogba who will be able to touch up his XXL salary of 8 million per year (he received 2000 euros during his suspension). A breach of contract as early as January is thus mentioned. And inevitably, a free Paul Pogba will interest people.
An offer from Russia
In this sense, his name was quickly mentioned by OM who made some very good moves this summer (Rabiot, Hojberg, Greenwood). But this information was quickly denied, with the Marseille club explaining that they had had no contact for the moment, especially with a fairly well-stocked midfielder. So where will the French international who dreams of playing in the 2026 World Cup with the Blues rebound? In today’s edition, France Football gives some indications about its future. The player indeed has several possibilities since Europe remains his priority currently. MLS, where he had planned to play later in his career, is obviously mentioned as is Saudi Arabia which ticks several boxes. The Saudi Pro League would allow the Frenchman to receive a comfortable salary and live in a setting in line with his religion without being far from the Blues since Didier Deschamps has already summoned N’Golo Kanté.
But all these possibilities are only speculations as explained by the player’s entourage since Paul Pogba is very far from being in the form of a top player today. And therefore difficult to attract clubs at the moment. Finally, France Football explains that the former Manchester United player received a concrete offer in recent weeks, before his suspension was reduced. This is the Russian club Broke Boys FC. A club that plays in the Media Football League, a league created in 2022 and not affiliated with FIFA, bringing together celebrities and influencers, and which is currently a hit in Russia. But the player kindly declined this offer, wishing to concentrate on his return to the highest level. Now it remains to be seen where…