Six of the best destinations for ex-Juve favourite Paul Pogba

The French international, released by Juventus last November following an 18-month doping ban that recently ended, has yet to find a new club.
Paul Pogba, a Juventus legend, has not kicked a ball professionally for 18 month
Paul Pogba, a Juventus legend, has not kicked a ball professionally for 18 month | Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

There’s been relentless speculation where exactly the 32-year-old will wind down his career, and he could well take a drastic pay cut.

The French World Cup winner's last competitive match was for the Bianconeri, when he was a substitute against Empoli in September 2023.

Pogba tested positive for the banned substance DHEA, after being tested following Juve’s 3-0 win at Udinese in August 2023. His initial four-year ban in February 2024 was reduced to 18 months following an appeal.

His first spell for the Bianconeri, from 2012 to 2016, saw him make just under 200 appearances and collect an impressive set of trophies. He twice won both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, on top of four Serie A titles.

The former fans favourite at Juventus was permitted to train with professional clubs since January, and now Pogba can professionally play the sport that he loves once he finds a suitable club.

There have been no offers tabled despite his availability. Pogba’s last spell at Juve was hampered by injuries, so teams may be fearful of splashing the cash on him.

Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A

The season kicks off in Brazil at the end of March, with Pogba possibly tempted to join former Juventus team-mate Danilo at Flamengo. The veteran defender recently left the Bianconeri by mutual consent.

Corinthians and Santos are other destinations that have also been suggested as possible destinations.

England’s Premier League

Manchester City and Manchester United were mentioned as potential destinations during the January transfer window.

It’s most unlikely that Pogba would join Pep Guardiola’s squad at City. A third stint at Old Trafford does not seem viable, as under-fire head coach Ruben Amorim requires younger players than Pogba.

He left Old Trafford as a free agent, after making 233 appearances for the club over two spells, to return to Juventus in 2022.

France’s Ligue 1

Pogba is believed to be willing to take a drastic wage cut at Olympique de Marseille compared to his recent stint at Juventus, where he was an icon.

Returning to his native France, and lining up alongside ex-Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood, will largely depend on the future of Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Sassuolo boss is being touted as a potential Juventus boss should Thiago Motta get the boot at the end of the season, and has vented recent frustration of competing in the French top tier.

Marseille director Mehdi Benatia has refused to rule out a move for Pogba to tackle the 2025/26 season.

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Pro League

The financial clout of the world’s richest domestic league could see Pogba following former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.

Ex-Juve ace Ronaldo never played alongside Pogba for the Turin titans, and despite his age is explosive at Al-Nassr.

Pogba could be lured to Al-Shabab, overseen by ex-Juventus director Pavel Nedved, or Al-Ittihad where there’s a strong French connection. Laurent Blanc is boss of the current league leaders, where French internationals Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante star.

Turkey’s Supa Lig

Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce’s head coach, made Pogba his world-record marquee signing as Manchester United manager in 2016.

The versatile midfielder 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.

USA’s MLS

This year Pogba fine-tuned his fitness levels with Inter Miami, and was strongly linked with signing for the MLS giants.

His former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham owns Inter Miami, with the pair pictured together for last month’s opening game of the season against New York City.

The club has a glittering array of stars in the twilight of their career, such as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.