Paul Pogba is on the verge of ending his two-year absence from football as advanced talks with AS Monaco progress, sources confirm. The 32-year-old, banned for 18 months after a doping violation in 2023, has been a free agent since leaving Juventus last November. Monaco have offered a two-year deal, with Pogba now close to sealing an emotional return to French football—his first since leaving Le Havre for Manchester United in 2009.
The World Cup winner’s career stalled after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance, though his ban was reduced when the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled he took it unintentionally. Since becoming eligible to play in March, Pogba has trained privately while exploring options in Saudi Arabia and MLS. However, Monaco have emerged as the frontrunners, offering him a chance to reignite his career in Ligue 1.
Monaco view Pogba’s signing as a major statement ahead of their European campaign, banking on his experience to elevate their young squad. The club are also pursuing Barcelona’s Ansu Fati, but Pogba’s potential arrival carries added symbolism—a prodigal return after 15 years abroad. His last competitive game was a brief Juventus cameo in August 2023, making fitness a priority ahead of pre-season.
🚨🇲🇨 More on Paul Pogba and AS Monaco story. The conversations are well underway and continuing in next 24h.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2025
Monaco want both Pogba and Ansu Fati, talks are advancing… waiting for Paul’s final green light.
Contract until June 2027, as reported. pic.twitter.com/K5lxjnPQVe
If finalized, the move could mark a redemption arc for Pogba after a tumultuous period. Once among football’s elite midfielders, he now faces the challenge of proving his enduring quality. For Monaco, it’s a high-risk, high-reward gamble—one that could redefine both the player’s legacy and the club’s ambitions.
