Paul Pogba: 5 possible destinations for the former Juventus star
Paul Pogba hasn't quite had the career he or the rest of the footballing world had envisioned over the last few years. He wasn't as consistent as he was expected to be after returning to Manchester United in 2016, and his second spell at Juventus didn't go as planned either.
The Frenchman struggled with injuries, and things exacerbated after he was banned from the game for 18 months by the Court for Arbitration for Sport for taking a banned substance.
Paul Pogba considered retirement after the CAS had initially banned him for four years, but now the Frenchman is eligible to return to competitive action in March 2025. He said (as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano):
"The nightmare is finally over. Following the CAS decision, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again. My main focus right now is just to get myself ready. I keep training and everything. Get ready for being able to join a team in January."
At 31, Paul Pogba has a few more years left in him, but given his wages, style of play and the personality and aura he brings, it won't be easy for him to find a club that suits him or one that's willing to integrate him into their system.
Pogba is eager to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues, and there are rumours linking him to several clubs, so here's a look where the former Juventus midfielder could end up at:
Five possible destinations for Paul Pogba
#1 Manchester United
A return to Manchester United seems very far-fetched, but a lot of weird transfers have happened over the years, so this one cannot be entirely ruled out.
A lot was expected from Paul Pogba once he returned to Old Trafford in 2016, but despite winning a few trophies, he only showed glimpses of what he was capable of in a United jersey.
A third stint at Old Trafford would raise a lot of questions from fans, but it could be exactly what Pogba and the club need to get back to their best. United's midfield isn't in the best shape now, so the Frenchman could add the much-needed flair and X-factor that has been missing over the years.
As per Utd District, new boss Ruben Amorim is apparently willing to give a 'chance' to Pogba.
He will be 32 by the time he's eligible to play again in March, so a few years at United could allow him to shut up his critics.
#2 Newcastle United
Like Manchester United, a move to Newcastle United seems a bit far-fetched, but not impossible. At 31, Paul Pogba would ideally want to move to a top European club. His wages could be a problem, but the Saudi-backed Newcastle could offer him the kind of money he wants.
If Pogba is eager to stay in Europe and earn the same or more as before, Newcastle could be the perfect place for him. Signing a player of his caliber could help Pogba get back to his best. Players like Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield alongside him would be a treat to watch.
As per Joao Neves, the Magpies are interested in signing him. It would be an extraordinary statement of intent from them, who have thus far shied away from signing world-class superstars.
#3 Marseille
As per One Football, Marseille have been linked with a move for Paul Pogba since the midfielder announced that he would be back playing next year. The Ligue 1 side are going through an impressive season under Roberto De Zerbi, so adding Pogba to the mix will would be a massive coup for Marseille.
Pogba would link up with the likes of former teammate Mason Greenwood and countryman Adrien Rabiot at Marseille, and Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia could persuade Pogba to join them.
To add more fuel to this possible transfer, reports suggest that Paul Pogba is looking for a house in Marseille (as per Hako TV via Edition Marseille)
#4 Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce are the latest club to be linked with Paul Pogba, and apart from Marseille, the Turkish giants seem to be the next realistic club in Europe for the Frenchman. As per Turkiye Today, Pogba has been offered to Fenerbahce, and a possible reunion with Jose Mourinho could be on the cards.
The Portuguese manager got Pogba to Manchester United in 2016 and could be the one to revive his career. The Turkish league is known for giving former Serie A stars a second chance, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, Edin Dzeko, Sofyan Amrabat and Dries Mertens thriving there.
#5 MLS/Saudi Pro League
Finally, the most realistic option for Paul Pogba at this point in his career seems to be joining a team in Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League. As per One Football, LAFC have had an ‘initial’ conversation with the former World Cup winner.
LAFC already have three designated players, but the contracts of Hugo Lloris and Carlos Vela are expiring at the end of the year, which would clear up space for the former Manchester United midfielder to arrive.
Meanwhile, as per Sky Sport Italia, Pogba paid a visit to Al-Ittihad’s training facility during a trip to the Kingdom, with talks linking him with a blockbuster switch to Jeddah. Pogba was reportedly offered a contract offer worth €100 million spanning three years and would link him up with the likes of N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema.