Paul Pogba is reportedly on the verge of resurrecting his career with a two-year deal with AS Monaco, according to reports from multiple sources. The move comes after a tumultuous period for the French midfielder, marked by a doping ban and a premature departure from Juventus. While some sources indicate the deal is all but finalized, Pogba himself has denied signing anything, adding a layer of intrigue to the situation.
The saga began in September 2023 when Pogba was provisionally suspended after testing positive for DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), a banned substance that increases testosterone levels. The test was conducted following Juventus's first match of the 2023-24 season. Initially, he received a four-year ban from Italy's National Anti-Doping Tribunal. Pogba maintained that the ingestion was unintentional, claiming it was due to a supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida, who assured him of the supplement's compliance with anti-doping regulations. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the ban to 18 months in October 2024, acknowledging that Pogba's ingestion of DHEA was unintentional, while also stating that the player should have exercised greater care.
His contract with Juventus was terminated in March 2025, making him a free agent. Pogba has been eligible to play since March 2025. Despite interest from clubs in America and Saudi Arabia, the Frenchman seems to have settled on Monaco, a Ligue 1 side that finished third in the league last season and will participate in the Champions League this season.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is in place, and the contract, reportedly running until June 2027, is being reviewed by lawyers. Pogba is expected to undergo a medical examination later this week before finalizing the move. Romano tweeted "Pogback" to confirm this news.
However, Pogba has added a twist to the narrative. Speaking on Sergio Aguero's podcast, La Casa del Kun, Pogba stated, "I haven't signed anything, but there's interest. We'll see." He has also mentioned the possibility of playing in South America for Boca Juniors.
This potential move to Monaco offers Pogba a chance to revive his career in his home country, as he hasn't played in France since leaving Le Havre in 2009. Some reports suggest that he has made "significant financial sacrifices" to facilitate the deal, demonstrating his eagerness to return to competitive football.
However, his time at Juventus was difficult. Pogba stated that Juventus didn't provide support during his ban. He said he requested a fitness coach, as he was still part of the team. He felt that he was at war with anti-doping authorities, not Juventus.
The move to Monaco could also provide him with a platform to regain his place in the French national team, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
