Pogba's Juventus future set to end as new venture revealed

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 5 Oct 2024 12:01 BST
4 min read

Paul Pogba will not be playing for Juventus again as his contract will either be terminated or a mutual agreement for separation will be reached, according to reports.

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The former Manchester United midfielder has had his ban reduced to 18 months. He had tested positive for a banned substance that can raise testosterone levels following Juventus’ win over Udinese in August 2023.

After the news broke that Pogba tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, he demanded counter-analysis, but after a second test also came back positive, he received a four-year footballing ban.

There have been conflicting reports about his future. Reporter Nicolo Schira tweeted on Friday: "Paul #Pogba is not in #Juventus’ plans: he won’t return to play for #Juve. His agents are already exploring the market to find a solution. Saudi and MLS clubs have asked info for the French midfielder."

Current ETV

Paul Pogba

M (CL), DM (C)

Juventus

Paul Pogba

M (CL), DM (C)

Juventus

ETV Range

€5.6M - €9.3M

Gazzetta, however, stated that Pogba could play for Juventus again. "It will now be up to the club, which is still waiting for the official ruling, to choose the best path: reinstate him in the squad and entrust him to Thiago Motta, after the long period of inactivity, or start negotiations for the termination of the contract, with the payment of a severance package (also provided for by the budget provisions)."

His lengthy ban has been reduced to just 18 months by CAS, as first revealed by The Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel.

It means he can start training Juventus in January, owing to time spent, while March will mark Pogba’s return to competitive matches. Furthermore,, his initial €5,000 fine has also reportedly been set aside.

Paul Pogba to return to action

Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer in 2022 after his second spell with United.

But his move to Turin turned into a disaster. He managed to rack up just 12 appearances and 213 minutes of action following his return owing to injury problems before his positive drug test.

Thiago Motta’s side signed midfielders Douglas Luiz, Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners during the summer

Pogba’s current deal at Juventus runs until 2026 and at 31 years old, he could well be able to still compete at the highest level in Europe.

The Frenchman, who has won 91 international caps during his career and helped his country win the 2018 World Cup, was tipped to join the Saudi Pro League before his doping ban became official.