Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is on the brink of leaving Juventus, chief executive Maurizio Scanavino has confirmed. The 31-year-old was handed a four-year ban from football in 2023 following a failed doping test, seemingly ending his career.
However, a successful appeal has seen this ban reduced to 18 months, allowing Pogba to return to training in January and potentially play again in March
Despite this, it’s believed that Juventus will terminate his contract, which runs until 2026, by mutual consent.
Pogba returned to Juventus from United in July 2022 but had a challenging first year in Turin before his ban, making only 12 appearances across all competitions.
With Pogba able to train from January, he’s expected to join a new club during the winter transfer window, even though free transfers can be signed at any time.
The World Cup winner already has potential suitors, with Marseille reportedly strongly interested in the midfielder.
And Scanavino has made it clear that the process of Pogba’s exit is ongoing, stating: “I can confirm that we’re in talks with Paul Pogba and his camp to find a solution.”
According to Ivorian outlet NCI, Pogba is in advanced discussions about reuniting with former United team-mate Mason Greenwood at Marseille after their strong start to the season.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side currently sit third in Ligue 1, having collected 14 points from their first seven matches.
Pogba’s initial sample for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) was taken on the first game of the 2023/24 season following a random test, with the verdict delivered in October 2023.
The Frenchman has consistently denied “knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.”
After winning his appeal, Pogba, who netted 39 goals and set up 48 more in 233 appearances for United, released a statement on the issue, expressing his relief as he aims to get his career back on track.
“Finally, the nightmare is over,” read a statement from Pogba. “Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.
“I have always maintained that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.
“I play with integrity, and while I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to express my gratitude to the judges at the Court of Arbitration for Sport who listened to my explanation.
“This has been an incredibly distressing time in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I am eager to get back on the pitch.”
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