Yet versatile midfielder Paul Pogba is aiming to join a top European side rather than compete in Major League Soccer, especially with struggling DC United.
Juventus terminated his contract last November, following his suspension due to a doping case in September 2023. Despite his ban having ended in March 2025, he has yet to sign for a new club.
The former fan-favorite at Juventus has been permitted to train with professional clubs since January. Pogba has a personal trainer and takes part in pick-up matches in Miami.
This year the 32-year-old has fine-tuned his fitness levels with Inter Miami, owned by his former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham. He was seriously linked with signing for the MLS giants who boast eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi among their ranks.
The transfer market in the United States opens on 24 July, with DC United his only option as they own his discovery rights. Negotiations with other MLS teams would be futile unless they paid a fee to acquire these rights.
Talks have kicked off between Pogba’s agents and DC United general manager Ally Mackay, although are not believed to be at an advanced stage.
Twilight years in MLS
A move to MLS remains viable in the future rather than now for the Miami-based 2018 World Cup winner. Pogba is happy to close out his career in the US, like former France team-mates Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris are doing at Los Angeles FC.
Pogba, whose last competitive game was in a Juve jersey back in September 2023 as a substitute against Empoli, is determined to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the US.
His best chance of earning a recall by France boss Didier Deschamps is to compete in the Champions League, so signing for a top European club is on his agenda.
That discounts Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A with Corinthians, Flamengo or Santos having shown interest, the MLS and the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.
Seriel winner at Juve
Pogba scooped eight trophies at Juventus. He twice won both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, on top of four Serie A titles.
England, France and Turkey are viable destinations. Initial inquiries were made about his availability by Serie A club Fiorentina and a handful of Spanish sides, but their interest has waned.
As Pogba’s last spell at Juve was hampered by injuries, top tier teams may be apprehensive of splashing the cash on his high salary demands.
The last time he played a full 90 minutes was during the five-game thriller at Old Trafford in March 2022, when Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 courtesy of a spectacular Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.
English Premier League
Manchester City and Manchester United were originally mentioned as potential destinations for Pogba during the winter transfer window.
Joining Pep Guardiola’s squad at City and a third stint at Old Trafford do not seem viable. Clubs such as ambitious Brighton & Hove Albion, newly-promoted Leeds United or emerging Everton would be a better fit, although they could not offer Champions League soccer.
French Ligue 1
Pogba returning to his native France, and lining up alongside ex-Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood, will largely depend on the future of Olympique de Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The former Sassuolo boss is unhappy in the French top tier, and among the potential candidates to become Juventus boss this summer. Marseille director Mehdi Benatia has refused to rule out a move for Pogba to tackle the 2025/26 season.
Turkish Supa Lig
Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce’s head coach, made Pogba his world-record marquee signing as Manchester United manager in 2016.
Pogba played a pivotal role under the Portuguese boss as the Old Trafford team scooped Europa League and League Cup glory in 2017.
Fred, Pogba’s former midfielder partner at United, plies his trade at the Istanbul club under Mourinho.