Paul Pogba and Juventus Officially Part Ways as Both Sides Agree to Contract Termination

According to reports in Italy, former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has agreed to terminate his contract with Italian giants Juventus. The 31-year-old is technically contracted to the Bianconeri until the summer of 2026, but the Juventus’ hierarchy has been looking to offload the Frenchman for some time now.

Paul Pogba tested positive for a banned substance called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the first game of the 2023/24 season. DHEA is a compound that promotes hormone growth in the body, which also includes testosterone –a big no, no in professional sports. Pogba tested positive for the substance after authorities summoned him after Juventus’ tie against Udinese on 20th August. He then made substitute appearances for the Bianconeri against Bologna on 27th August, and against Empoli on 3rd September, before his four-year suspension was announced. Paul Pogba has always maintained that he hasn’t taken any banned substance knowingly. And the Court of Arbitration for Sports agreed with Pogba, as they reduced his doping ban to 18-months earlier this month.   

After the Court of Arbitration for Sports sided with Pogba, the 31-year-old midfielder will be eligible to return to professional football in March. However, with the Thiago Motta project already underway, and with a completely new and more importantly young midfield, it looks like Pogba’s second spell in Turin won’t go according to the script. According to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, “Paul Pogba and Juventus, story over as contract will be terminated as planned… and Pogba will be free agent.” 

Paul Pogba’s termination was a long time coming, as many media outlets had reported as early as October that Pogba and Juventus were in talks to terminate the Frenchman’s contract. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that by ending Paul Pogba's contract, Juventus will save a hefty €30 million in total. This figure includes what they would have paid him over the next 12 months on a reduced salary, plus his annual €8 million and €2 million in bonuses through 2026. For now, Pogba only earns around 2,000 Euros per month because of his ban, as that’s the minimum wage in Italy.  

Following the premature end to his stint with Juventus, several American clubs are keeping a close watch on Pogba’s situation, believing the 31-year-old might be tempted to follow in the footsteps of stars like Lionel Messi, Olivier Giroud, and Hugo Lloris by taking his talents stateside. On the flip side, there are also whispers linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia, where the football scene has exploded in recent years. The Saudi Pro League has attracted big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Neymar. Given that Pogba is a devoted Muslim, an enticing opportunity in the Middle East could certainly pique his interest if it arises. 

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