Paul Pogba: INEOS launch UNEXPECTED transfer bid

Robin Bairner

• 4 Dec 2024 07:30 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United owners Ineos are ready to launch an audacious bid to sign Paul Pogba – but the France international star does not appear destined for a third stint at the Old Trafford club.

Ineos are reportedly looking to add Pogba to Nice’s ranks once he has served his suspension for doping.

The World Cup winner is presently banned from football after testing positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) while a Juventus player and, after being handed an 18-month ban reduced on appeal from four years, he can return to action in early 2025.

While there has been interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS, Pogba has reportedly been handed the opportunity to hook up with Ligue 1 outfit Nice, who are owned by Man Utd’s minority shareholders.

If he were to shine at the Allianz Riveria, it could potentially open the door to another run with the Red Devils, but this looks an incredibly distant prospect and is unlikely to ever happen.

’Enormous competition to sign Pogba’

Nice president Florian Maurice has played down the prospect of the Europa League side landing the 31-year-old. He says there is simply not enough money on offer from his club.

“I don't think we have the possibility of bringing Paul Pogba to Nice,” he told L’Equipe Chaine.

“I think there are many clubs that will look into it even if it's been a long time since he played. There will be enormous competition - we won't be able to fight.”

Maurice, notably, did not deny that he would be pleased to see Pogba in Nice colours in the second half of the campaign.

“He's a top player. What's happening to him today is painful for him, but as a player, he's a top player. In our team, he would do us good, but I don't think we have the possibility of attracting him to Nice,” he said.

When can Pogba play again?

Pogba will be able to play freely from March 2025 following his doping ban, while he will be able to begin training from January 2025 to give him a chance to build up fitness.

He has promised to come back better than ever.

“For sure. It's going to be a new Pogba,” he bullishly told ESPN. “That's definitely for sure. And in the positive way, like I said, with more hunger, with more determination.

“I feel like a kid that just want to be professional again, that never signed professional. So this is the anger I have. That's what drives me. And I will do everything to come back at the level I was before and even better. Why not?”

Such words will only attract even more interest in the former Manchester United and Juventus star.