The former Manchester United star could be forced to leave Juventus despite successfully appealing his doping ban
Serie A giants Juventus are reportedly preparing to part ways with Paul Pogba, despite the French midfielder becoming eligible to return to action in March 2025.
The 30-year-old, who was handed an initial four-year suspension following a failed doping test in 2023, successfully appealed to have his ban reduced to 18 months, meaning he could make a comeback later this season. However, it seems that Juventus have other plans for their once-prized asset.
Why Juventus are keen to terminate Pogba’s contract
Italian outlets are buzzing with rumours of an imminent contract termination or a mutual agreement that would see Pogba leave the club and there is even speculation from Italian and French news outlets that the World Cup winner could start afresh in the United States, with MLS clubs monitoring his situation.
Despite the shortened ban, Juventus appear determined to offload Pogba mainly due to the financial burden he represents.
When fully active, Pogba commands a hefty salary of €10 million per season, which is one of the highest in the squad alongside top scorer Dusan Vlahovic.
However, since his suspension, the midfielder has been earning just €2,000 per month, and if he returns in March, his original contract terms would resume, which would significantly impact the club’s finances.
Juventus looking forward to future without Pogba
Aside from monetary issues, there are questions about Pogba’s place in the current squad as Juventus have rebuilt their midfield during his absence, bringing in €50 million summer signing Teun Koopmeiners and young talents like Kenan Yildiz.
They have also added Douglas Luiz, a versatile player capable of occupying the same positions as Pogba in midfield.
Furthermore, with Manuel Locatelli, Nicolo Fagioli, and Weston McKennie already performing well in deeper positions, Juventus’ midfield is well-stocked.
Calciomercato.com reports that a mutual termination might be the most beneficial path for both parties. For Juventus, this move would free up considerable resources that could be reinvested into other areas of the squad, while for Pogba, it would give him the opportunity to revive his career elsewhere, in hopes of making the France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.