The midfielder is set to return in January and he’s already got a move lined up that would stun world football
Paul Pogba is reportedly nearing an agreement to join a new club once his football ban ends.
Initially facing a four-year ban for testing positive for DHEA—a hormone-boosting substance, including testosterone—Pogba appealed, resulting in the Court of Arbitration for Sport reducing the suspension to 18 months. This allows him to start training by January 2025, with a return to competition two months later.
Juventus is expected to terminate his contract by mutual consent, opening doors for Pogba’s future. According to journalist Malick Traore from NCI, Marseille is advancing in negotiations to bring the midfielder back to France.
Should this transfer materialize in January, Pogba could reunite with ex-Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood, along with Neal Maupay and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, under the guidance of former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi. Marseille has also secured Adrien Rabiot, Pogba’s former Juventus teammate, on a free transfer.
Pogba’s positive DHEA test was taken during the 2023/24 season opener in August, with the ruling announced in October 2023. Throughout the process, the French international has consistently denied knowingly taking any banned substances.
After his successful appeal, Pogba expressed relief in a statement, saying, “The nightmare is finally over,” as reported by Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail. “Thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision, I can now look forward to pursuing my goals again. I have always maintained that I did not intentionally break anti-doping rules when I used a doctor-prescribed supplement that does not enhance performance.
“I play with honesty, and though I understand the strict nature of this offense, I appreciate the judges for considering my case. This period has been incredibly difficult as my career was put on hold. Thank you to everyone for the support—I can’t wait to return to
the pitch.”
