Transfers

Pogba Joins Monaco On Two-Year Deal After Ban

EMPOLI, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 3: Paul Labile Pogba of Juventus looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Juventus at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 3, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Pogba has never played domestic football in France.

Paul Pogba is poised to return to football with Monaco after the conclusion of a doping ban. The France international has a agreed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club and will undergo a medical this week.

The 32-year-old last played a competitive game for Juventus in September 2023 before receiving a four-year suspension after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Pogba appealed against the length of his ban, which was reduced to 18 months, and has been free to play since March.

Pogba, who has 91 caps, attracted interest from clubs across the world after agreeing to terminate his Juventus contract last November. Sides from MLS and Saudi Arabia made overtures but the midfielder decided it would be best to restart his career in Monaco, who hope the deal will be concluded this week.

Despite coming through the academy at Le Havre, Pogba has never played domestic football in France. He has had two spells at Manchester United, becoming the world’s then most expensive player when he returned to the club in 2016 for €105m.

Pogba’s second spell at Old Trafford was a disappointment and he returned to Juventus in 2022 on a free transfer but struggled with injuries and form in Serie A before his ban.

Irishexaminer.com

Lucky Maurice