Paul Pogba: Why Monaco Move Could Be the Perfect Reboot After Doping Ban

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba: Why Monaco Move Could Be the Perfect Reboot After Doping Ban

Festus Chuma 08:00 - 14.06.2025

Pogba is in advanced talks with Monaco as he eyes a return to football following a lengthy suspension.

Former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has entered advanced negotiations with AS Monaco.

The 32-year-old French World Cup winner is looking to make a comeback in his homeland, with Monaco pushing to finalise a two-year deal in the coming days.

Pogba, who has been without a club since mutually terminating his contract with Juventus last November, has already begun personal training ahead of pre-season.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

“Talks have been ongoing for a number of weeks, and we’ve seen Pogba working hard to get back to peak condition,” a source close to the negotiations told BBC Sport.

“Both parties are optimistic that a deal will be concluded soon.”

5 Most Beautiful CHAN 2024 Stadiums
FOOTBALL

15:00 - 13.06.2025

5 Most Beautiful CHAN 2024 Stadiums

CHAN 2024 will showcase East Africa’s top stadiums, with a stunning lineup of upgraded, beautiful, and high-capacity venues across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Back on Track After Ban

Pogba’s career was abruptly derailed after he tested positive for DHEA—a banned substance that increases testosterone levels—following Juventus' opening match of the 2023-24 Serie A season against Udinese.

The Frenchman was initially hit with a four-year suspension but successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced the ban to 18 months.

According to the CAS ruling, Pogba inadvertently consumed the substance and was unaware of its presence in a supplement.

Significantly, the judgment also stated that DHEA has performance-enhancing effects only in females, casting some doubt over the relevance of the violation in a male athlete’s case.

A Return to Familiar Grounds

The midfielder's choice to return to France represents both a symbolic and strategic decision.

Monaco, a club known for nurturing talent and giving players a platform to rediscover form, could offer Pogba the ideal environment to relaunch his career.

He has been eligible to resume playing since March and has spent recent months training privately.

For Monaco, the acquisition of a high-profile, experienced player like Pogba fits their ambition to challenge for domestic honours and secure a return to European competition.

Fans are awaiting confirmation thus the prospect of Pogba pulling on a Ligue 1 shirt once more adds an intriguing chapter to one of football’s most captivating careers.