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Paul Pogba has been told to forfeit any idea of returning to the Premier League.
Paul Pogba’s hopes of a dramatic return to the Premier League have been hit with a harsh dose of reality, courtesy of a Premier League legend.
Former England goalkeeper David James has bluntly warned the ex-Manchester United star that an English comeback could be “very difficult” following his doping ban.
Pogba has not played football since September 2023 and recently completed an 18-month doping suspension.
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Although eligible to play again since March, speculation about the Frenchman's next move has been swirling, but James believes the Premier League dream may be dead in the water.
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19:08 - 09.04.2025
I wasn't happy - Paul Pogba opens up about depression during Jose Mourinho's Man Utd's reign
Paul Pogba has admitted to experiencing depression while playing under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
"English football will be difficult for him"
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Speaking to Prime Casino via Goal, James said about the 32-year-old former Juventus star: "First things first, he was found guilty and he served his time, even if that's been reduced.
"He's paid his penance, and therefore, he should have a clean slate.
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James continued, “With the attraction from the whole world with regard to the Premier League, I don't think the Premier League is the place where he's going to end up.
"I think English football would be difficult for him because he is synonymous with Manchester United in England, and to go to a Championship club, I think, would be very difficult for him.”
As for alternatives, James pointed to Europe, particularly Pogba’s native France: “The French League would be the natural fit. If he were to do well in the French League… that could be the pathway back to a position with a larger club.”
But even that, the former Liverpool and Man City goalkeeper still had some reservations.
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"Age is against him in so many ways as well,” James warned.
“The football world is changing… the quality of player is changing for sure. The Paul Pogba of old would struggle or be at least comparable with the youngsters coming through.”
Time may have finally caught up with Pogba.
However, with English football evolving at lightning speed, the Premier League may have finally moved on from welcoming back Paul Pogba.
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