Paul Pogba doping ban ends today - will he return to Man Utd?

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 11 Mar 2025 11:43 GMT
4 min read

Paul Pogba is free to play football again as of today after his doping ban ended.

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Pogba has not played football since September 4, 2023 after he failed a doping test for non-endogenous testosterone.

In a length legal process, Pogba initially was banned for four years but later had his suspension cut to 18 months.

He left Juventus by mutual consent in November 2024 and has been a free agent ever since.

His doping ban has now expired as of today, meaning he is free to join a new club and play football right away.

It is claimed by Nicolo Schira that Pogba is desperate to sign for a new club as soon as possible and kickstart his career.

Pogba is arguably the most high-profile free agent currently available in world football.

His most likely destinations appear to be the MLS with Inter Miami or the Saudi Pro League with Al-Shabab.

He has been heavily linked to Man Utd given their struggles and recent injury problems in midfield.

Indeed, rumours have swirled in recent weeks suggesting that United are considering bringing in Pogba until the end of the season to stem the tide after the team dropped to 14th place in the Premier League.

Fabrizio Romano has said, though, that there is nothing concrete about United’s interest in re-signing Pogba.

© IMAGO - Pogba was a disaster after returning to Juventus

What did Romano say?

"I don't have any confirmation at this stage,” Romano said when asked about Pogba.

“Nothing really concrete... in case something changes, we'll update on that!"

Were Pogba to join Man Utd, it would be the third time he has worn the Man Utd shirt.

He first joined United as a 16-year-old from Le Havre in 2009 as one of the most talented youngsters in European football.

However, a lack of first team chances saw him quit United for Juventus on a free transfer in 2012.

At Juve he established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the world winning four league titles and reaching the Champions League final.

This led United re-signing him in 2016 for a world record transfer fee at the time.

He spent six years back at United but despite some great moments he never fulfilled his talent in an underperforming side.

He won just two trophies. These arrived in his first year back in 2016-17, as he claimed a Europa League and EFL Cup under Jose Mourinho.

He left United on a free transfer again in 2022 to return to Juventus but his second spell in Turin was an unmitigated disaster.

He played just 214 minutes of football for Juve as he was ravaged first by injuries before failing a doping test in 2023.

This eventually led to the rescission of his contract.

The 31-year-old’s doping ban has now expired.