Paul Pogba searches for a new club after doping scandal
- Paul Pogba was initially banned for four years due to a doping violation but had his sanction reduced to 18 months in October 2023.
- Following this decision, Pogba's contract with Juventus was terminated, leaving him as a free agent.
- Rumors suggest that Pogba may return to train with Manchester United in January 2024.
In Italy, Paul Pogba, the former star midfielder for Manchester United and the French national team, faced serious challenges in his career following a doping scandal that led to a ban. Initially, in February 2023, Pogba was handed a four-year suspension after a positive test revealed increased levels of testosterone, a substance that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned list. The positive result originated from a sample collected after Juventus's game against Udinese on 20 August 2022. The severity of the ban brought concerns about the immediate future of Pogba's professional career, as it seemed to end his final chance to showcase his talents after a disappointing second stint with Manchester United and a lack of form at Juventus. However, in October 2023, a significant turn of events occurred when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), after reviewing Pogba's case, reduced his ban from four years to just 18 months upon his appeal. The court found that Pogba had inadvertently taken DHEA, a substance that enhances testosterone levels, but clarified that DHEA typically affects females, which contributed to the reduction of his sanction. This ruling not only reinstated Pogba's eligibility to return to professional football, but it also sparked speculation regarding his next steps. With his contract at Juventus terminated due to these issues, Pogba currently stands as a free agent, allowing him the freedom to negotiate with other clubs. In the wake of this appeal victory, former Manchester United player Louis Saha mentioned that there were rumors circulating that Manchester United would welcome Pogba back to their training facility in early 2024. Saha expressed optimism about Pogba's return to the club, noting that many clubs, including those in the Premier League, would see signing him on a free transfer as an appealing opportunity. As Pogba prepares to embark on this new chapter, he aims to regain his form and showcase his skills on the pitch once again, with strong interest from teams looking to benefit from the opportunity to sign a player of his caliber without a transfer fee. The upcoming months will be crucial as Pogba looks to re-establish himself in the footballing world, potentially starting with training sessions at Manchester United in January 2024.