Free Agent Status: Paul Pogba has completed his 18-month suspension for doping and is now available to sign for a club without a transfer fee.
New Representation: He has hired agent Arturo Canales to manage his search for a new team.
Man Utd Link & Advice: While rumours of a return to Manchester United circulate, former French international Emmanuel Petit has advised Pogba against it, citing the potentially difficult environment and past criticisms he faced there.
Comeback Motivation: Petit believes Pogba possesses a strong desire to return and prove himself, suggesting a top club might take a "gamble" on him, fueled by a sense of "revenge" against the game that sidelined him.
Pogba's Message: Pogba recently posted a cryptic "Let's get it" message on social media, hinting at his readiness for a comeback.
Why this matters: A player of Pogba's profile returning under these circumstances is a major talking point. His next move could significantly impact the fortunes of his new club, while teams weigh the potential rewards against the risks of signing a player sidelined for over 16 months.
Paul Pogba's career stands at a crossroads. The French midfielder, once the world's most expensive player, last played competitively in September 2023 for Juventus before testing positive for the prohibited substance DHEA. After appealing the initial four-year ban, it was reduced, and he is now free to resume his career, having served an 18-month suspension.
Having left Juventus following the contract termination related to the ban, Pogba is training independently and seeking a fresh start. His situation has naturally led to speculation, with Manchester United, a club he has represented twice before (2011-2012 and 2016-2022), being mentioned as a possible destination.
However, fellow World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit strongly cautioned against this move. Speaking to PokerFirma, Petit highlighted the negative experiences Pogba previously endured at United, including criticism from press, pundits, and fans, suggesting the current environment isn't conducive for his return. Petit stated, "He needs a good environment... Manchester United at the moment is not the best destination."
Despite the long absence from elite football (over 16 months since his last match), Petit remains convinced of Pogba's inherent abilities and believes his motivation to prove doubters wrong makes him an intriguing prospect. "I think he's got this desire to come back into the game and to show that he's not finished," Petit added. "If I was the manager of a top club, I would gamble with him."
Adding to the comeback narrative, Pogba shared an Instagram story featuring a selfie with the caption "Let's get it," suggesting his focus is firmly on returning to the pitch. Reports also indicate that France's national team manager, Didier Deschamps, has maintained contact with the player.
Q: Is Paul Pogba free to play football again?
A: Yes, Paul Pogba completed his 18-month ban for a doping violation in early 2025 and is now a free agent eligible to sign with a club.
Q: Could Paul Pogba return to Manchester United for a third time?
A: While there has been speculation linking him to Manchester United, former player Emmanuel Petit has publicly advised against such a move, citing the challenging environment at the club for Pogba based on past experiences. Pogba himself has not publicly stated a preference.
Q: When was Paul Pogba's last competitive match?
A: His most recent competitive appearance was as a substitute for Juventus against Empoli in September 2023.
One of football's high-profile stars is available on a free transfer, presenting a unique market opportunity.
Clubs interested in Pogba must weigh his undisputed talent against the risks associated with his long layoff and past controversies.
A return to Manchester United appears unlikely based on expert advice regarding the suitability of the environment for the player.
Pogba seems highly motivated for a comeback, making his next move one of the key transfer stories to watch.
Paul Pogba's return is sure to divide opinion. Will his talent shine through after the long break, or is the risk too high for top clubs?
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Source 2: Express.co.uk (Content Referenced)
Source 3: Manchester Evening News (Content Referenced)
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