From €100m hero to zero - What next for Paul Pogba as Juventus exit looms before return

Paul Pogba remains one of the most recognisable footballers in the world despite not playing in over a year. After failing a drugs test after playing for Juventus against Empoli last September, Pogba was handed a four-year ban by Italian authorities in February 2024. There was initial speculation that the French World Cup winner would never pull on his boots again but earlier this month, Pogba’s ban was reduced to 18 months. The 31-year-old will be able to return to team training in January and he’s eligible to play again from March. around his 32nd birthday. 

Once valued at €100 million on Transfermarkt, Pogba’s aim is to enjoy the twilight of his career. “I am ready to return to normal in 2025,” Pogba told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I only have one desire, to play football. The reality is that I am a Juve player and I am preparing to play for Juve. I’m ready to give up even money to play for Juve again.” Despite his preference to remain in Turin, Pogba is extremely unlikely to play for Juventus with the Italian giants wanting to terminate his contract that runs until 2026 - so where next for the French midfielder? 

Which club will Paul Pogba join?

Despite Pogba’s charm offensive towards Juventus, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli made it abundantly clear that the Italians were looking to the future. The former Manchester United midfielder has been on a significantly reduced salary since his ban and his wage demands are nowhere near his previous deal's terms. Although he can’t play until March, Pogba can join a new club without a transfer fee as soon as an agreement is reached with Juventus. Concerns will linger over his fitness and off-field distractions but Pogba will remain an attractive proposition to clubs across the world due to his unquestionable ability and profile.

Marseille have emerged as serious contenders to sign the midfielder with Pogba refusing to rule out a return to his homeland. It’s been reported that Barcelona are interested but that looks increasingly unrealistic while a third-spell in England has also been mooted with Bacary Sagna curiously urging Arsenal to make a move. But whether Pogba remains in a top five league is subject to substantial debate amid links to Saudi Arabia and MLS. The Frenchman is a known admirer of the United States and has a residence in Miami with links emerging to various MLS clubs - mostly Los Angeles FC. A reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr has gained traction and the finances on offer in Saudi Arabia could prove the most attractive option to Pogba, unless he possesses the determination to prove himself at a higher level. 

From €100m to €0m: Paul Pogba’s market value development 

Pogba has always been a divisive character, on and off the pitch, but few would argue over his exceptional ability. Pogba, however, has failed to maximise that talent and his downfall over the last few years has been discouraging for a player that demonstrated so much potential earlier in his career. After progressing through Man United’s academy, Pogba made his name at Juventus and his market value soared to €70m in Italy before United paid €105m million to secure his return to Old Trafford. Pogba’s market value reached it’s highest point in June 2019 when he rose to a €100m player. 

 

But Pogba’s career has been on a downward trajectory since then and he fell out of favour at United after a promising start, before returning to Juventus on a free in July 2022. Pogba shone in Serie A and the Champions League during his first spell in Italy but he failed to replicate those performance levels with injuries damaging his prospects, before his market value dropped to €0m following his doping ban. At 31, Pogba possesses the ability to play at the highest level for another few years but the next chapter in his rollercoaster career remains to be seen.