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

Paul Pogba is reportedly close to making a highly anticipated return to football, with advanced negotiations in progress for him to join a new club once his current ban is lifted. The French midfielder, whose recent months have been overshadowed by controversy, is now seeing hope on the horizon after his doping suspension was significantly reduced, allowing him to resume training by January 2025.

Initially, Pogba faced a daunting four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that boosts hormone production, including testosterone. Such a lengthy suspension would have effectively ended his career at the top level. However, following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ban was shortened to 18 months, providing Pogba with a renewed opportunity. This revised sentence means he could begin training in early 2025, with a possible return to competitive play as soon as March of the same year.

Juventus, Pogba’s current club, is expected to mutually terminate his contract, marking the conclusion of a tumultuous second stint at the Italian club. Since rejoining Juventus in 2022 after leaving Manchester United, Pogba has struggled with injuries and the doping scandal that marred his season. With his departure from Turin imminent, he is now considering options for the next phase of his career.

One of the most promising developments comes from journalist Malick Traore of NCI, who reports that Marseille is making notable progress in negotiations to bring Pogba back to France. This potential transfer has generated excitement across Europe, with fans eagerly awaiting news of Pogba’s next move. If the deal is finalized in January, he would join a talented squad that includes his former Manchester United teammate Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay, and Pierre Emile-Højbjerg. Under the management of ex-Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille is positioning itself as a competitive force in Ligue 1.

Additionally, the French side recently strengthened its midfield by signing Adrien Rabiot, Pogba’s former teammate at Juventus, on a free transfer. The possibility of Pogba reuniting with familiar faces in Marseille only heightens the intrigue surrounding his potential return. Such a move would represent a significant chapter in Pogba’s career, bringing him back to his homeland after years of playing in England and Italy.

The saga of Pogba’s suspension began when he tested positive for DHEA during the first match of the 2023/24 season in August. The ruling, delivered in October 2023, cast uncertainty over his future, but Pogba has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the positive test stemmed from a doctor-prescribed nutritional supplement that was not performance-enhancing.

Following his successful appeal, Pogba expressed immense relief in a public statement. “Finally, the nightmare is over,” he stated, 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 insisted that I did not intentionally violate anti-doping regulations while using a doctor-prescribed nutritional supplement that does not enhance athletic performance.”

Pogba also reaffirmed his commitment to integrity in play, acknowledging the strictness of anti-doping regulations and thanking the judges for their fair consideration of his case. He admitted that the last few months had been incredibly distressing, with his career hanging in the balance, but expressed gratitude for the support he received during this challenging time.

As the football world eagerly anticipates Pogba’s return, there is renewed hope that he can reclaim his status as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. Whether with Marseille or another club, Pogba’s journey is far from over, and fans globally will be closely watching his next steps toward redemption and a triumphant comeback.