Paul Pogba in ‘advanced negotiations’ to join shock club with Man Utd reunion on the cards

Paul Pogba is reportedly in advanced talks to join a new club once his football ban is lifted.

Initially, Pogba faced a four-year suspension after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts hormone production, including testosterone. However, after appealing, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months, allowing him to begin training in January 2025 and return to competitive play two months later.

Juventus is expected to mutually terminate his contract, and there are various potential opportunities for Pogba. Journalist Malick Traore from NCI has reported that Marseille is making progress in negotiations to bring him back to France.

If this transfer occurs in January, Pogba would reunite with former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood, as well as Neal Maupay and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, and work under ex-Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi. Marseille has also recently signed his former Juventus teammate Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.

Pogba’s positive DHEA test was taken during the first match of the 2023/24 season in August, with the verdict announced in October 2023. The French international has consistently denied knowingly taking any banned supplements.

Following the successful appeal, Pogba expressed his relief in a statement: “Finally the nightmare is over,” he said, as reported by Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail. “With the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision, I can look forward to pursuing my dreams again. I have always maintained that I did not intentionally violate anti-doping regulations when I used a doctor-prescribed nutritional supplement that does not enhance athletic performance.

“I play with integrity, and while I acknowledge the strict liability nature of this offense, I want to thank the judges for considering my case. This period has been incredibly distressing for me, as everything I’ve worked hard for has been on hold. Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the field.”