Juventus and Paul Pogba have reportedly come to a decision on the Frenchman's future after his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months.
The former Manchester United man has spent over a year out of the game after testing positive for non-endogenous testosterone after the first matchweek of the 2023-24 Serie A campaign.
A second 'B' sample also showed abnormal levels of the hormone, and Pogba was slapped with a four-year ban by Italy's National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which would have rendered him ineligible to play again until 2027.
However, Pogba succeeded with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and it was reported late last week that the midfielder's suspension had been cut to just 18 months, most of which he has already served.
Pogba will therefore be able to resume playing from March 2025, and he can apparently begin training again as early as January, whether that be at Juventus or a new destination.
Pogba, Juventus set to agree contract termination?
© Imago
The midfielder's contract with the Bianconeri does not expire until the summer of 2026, but according to Fabrizio Romano, the two parties have decided to go their separate ways following the doping saga.
Juventus were expected to terminate Pogba's deal had his initial four-year ban been upheld by CAS, but the Old Lady elected against doing so, albeit while apparently reducing his pay to a minimum wage of around £1,700 per month.
However, Pogba and Juventus will now sever ties after all, and Romano adds that talks over a mutual contract termination will begin tomorrow after the midfielder decided that a new start would be the best move for him.
The 31-year-old released a statement expressing his delight at being able to play again in the wake of the CAS ruling, which concluded that the DHEA supplement responsible for the positive tests only had an effect on female athletes.
"Finally the nightmare is over. Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again," Pogba said.
"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.
🚨 Paul Pogba and Juventus, expected to agree on contract termination as he will become a free agent.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 6, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/niTvAzRbzt
"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation.
"This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch."
Pogba will leave Juventus for a second time having made just 12 appearances since returning from Man United in 2022, having been hampered by injury in the 2022-23 season and missing the 2018 World Cup as a result.
Where could Pogba go next?
The question sure to be on everybody's lips, but one that really does not have an obvious answer. Simply happy to be playing again, Pogba should not command an astronomical wage from any potential suitors, and a free transfer for a player of his calibre is a hugely intriguing prospect.
Of course, Manchester City are in the market for a Rodri replacement, but that move is surely a non-starter given Pogba's Manchester United connections. Could a return to Old Trafford boost morale when it is at an all-time low?
However, with Pogba searching for a "fresh start", the 31-year-old may wish to play for a Ligue 1 club in his homeland, or try his hand at Bundesliga, La Liga, Saudi Pro League or MLS football. Either way, where he ends up truly is anybody's guess.
Ben Knapton
