Paul Pogba Negotiates Contract Termination with Juventus After Reduced Doping Ban Sentence

Days after the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruled in his favor, former Manchester United star Paul Pogba is in talks with Juventus to terminate his contract. According to several reports, the 31-year-old is ready to tear up his Juve contract in order to facilitate a much more lucrative move.

In September 2023, Paul Pogba was handed a four-year doping ban for testing positive for DHEA – a banned substance which boosts testosterone. 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 suspension was announced. Pogba has always maintained that he hasn’t taken any banned substance knowingly. Despite this, anti-doping persecutors requested Italy's National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) to hand the Frenchman a four-year ban. Paul Pogba chose not to strike a plea deal with the anti-doping agency, which led to his case being brought before the nation's anti-doping tribunal for a full trial. This meant that Pogba would not have returned to football till March 2027. 

However, in a huge victory for the Frenchman, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) reduced his doping ban to just 18 months, as they ruled that Pogba hadn’t intentionally taken any banned substance. Pogba’s reduced ban means that he can now rejoin football as soon as March 2025. However, it looks like he won’t wear the famous black and white stripes of the Bianconeri when he returns. According to credible Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, “Paul Pogba and Juventus, expected to agree on contract termination as he will become a free agent. Talks to follow from tomorrow after CAS verdict, as Paul will be available from March. Paul Pogba also feels a fresh start would be best solution for him and his career.” 

Paul Pogba's future remains a bit of a mystery as he inches closer to terminating his contract with Juventus. However, some media outlets are buzzing with speculation about a potential move to MLS. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, 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.