Why Monaco Are Taking Their Time With Paul Pogba’s Return – And What England Pre-Season Taught Them

Paul Pogba’s comeback delayed despite England training boost

When AS Monaco confirmed the signing of Paul Pogba on a free transfer this summer, fans around Europe—and particularly those in France—felt a rush of anticipation. The 2018 World Cup winner, having served a lengthy doping suspension that officially ended in March, was finally ready to write the next chapter of his storied, often turbulent, football career. But those expecting a quick return to Ligue 1 action will have to wait a little longer.

Instead of racing him back onto the pitch, Monaco are choosing patience over publicity. The club has made it clear that Pogba will not be part of their opening fixtures in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign. In fact, they’re targeting October for his competitive debut. Why the delay, especially when the Frenchman has been training in England during pre-season and reportedly impressing everyone around him? The answer lies in Monaco’s measured approach to rebuilding Pogba’s career—with long-term vision firmly in mind.

England pre-season camp shows signs of promise

Since joining up with Monaco, Pogba has spent the summer under a carefully designed fitness regime. The club’s medical and performance staff have crafted a programme tailored to his needs—not just to get him fit, but to get him firing at his best again. Part of that process took place in England during Monaco’s pre-season training camp, where Pogba showed early signs that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Those inside the camp speak of a player who’s not just physically improving, but mentally refreshed. Away from the pressure cooker of Manchester United and the drama that marked his final months at Juventus, Pogba seems to be enjoying the process of simply being part of a squad again.

“He looks like a leader,” one Monaco staff member reportedly said. “Even without playing, he’s already had an impact on this team.”

A strategic decision, not a setback

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It’s important to note that Pogba’s delay isn’t being framed as a fitness issue or a setback. Quite the opposite, in fact. Monaco’s hierarchy sees this as a proactive move. Their midfield is already stacked with talent—arguably one of the best in France outside of PSG—so there’s no immediate pressure to throw Pogba into the fire.

Thiago Scuro, Monaco’s chief executive, put it simply during an interview with the BBC: “I can guarantee he won’t be on the pitch against Le Havre. We are here to be realistic. We expect a three-month process.”

That timeline puts Pogba’s return around early October. It’s a window that gives him time to build strength, shake off any lingering rust, and return on his own terms—hopefully ready to play a full part in what Monaco hope will be a strong domestic and European campaign.

The emotional Le Havre reunion will have to wait

One of the more romantic subplots heading into the new season was the potential for Pogba to face Le Havre on opening day—the club where he began his youth career. The fixture seemed written in the stars, a symbolic full-circle moment for a player desperate to reconnect with the game.

But Monaco aren’t interested in sentimentality. They’re prioritising the bigger picture, and Pogba himself seems to understand that. While he may have hoped to feature in that emotional encounter, the decision to sit out is aligned with the club’s cautious approach.

Building bonds, even from the sidelines

Even without kicking a ball in a competitive match, Pogba is already making a difference in Monaco. Known for his big personality and larger-than-life presence, he has quickly slotted into the group dynamic. Younger players are gravitating toward him, not just because of who he is, but because of how he carries himself in training and in team meetings.

“He’s been like a big brother to some of the academy lads,” a Monaco insider shared. “He knows what it’s like to be under the spotlight, and he’s helping them handle that.”

That mentoring role may prove just as valuable as his eventual contributions on the pitch. Monaco are trying to build something sustainable—mixing youth with experience, flair with discipline—and Pogba could become a key figure in striking that balance.

Fans must be patient, but the payoff could be huge

There’s no denying that Pogba remains one of the most talked-about players in world football. From dazzling performances for France to frustrating inconsistency at club level, he’s a player who divides opinion like few others. But at Monaco, there’s a feeling that the environment is right for him to thrive again.

Still, fans will need to be patient. Pogba won’t feature in Monaco’s final pre-season fixture against Inter Milan on August 8, and he may not be seen in a competitive shirt for two more months. But for a player who has endured injury, suspension, and heavy criticism over the past few years, this moment feels like a genuine opportunity to reset.

England stint part of a bigger rebuild

It’s no accident that Pogba’s pre-season recovery included time in England. The setting offered familiarity—a return to the country where he rose to prominence at United—but without the overwhelming scrutiny he often faced in the Premier League. In many ways, it allowed him to focus purely on football.

There’s a quiet optimism in the Monaco camp that the player they unveil in October will be different—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally stronger. Pogba has always had the talent. Now, with the right plan, he might finally find the consistency that has eluded him for so long.

Looking ahead: October debut, long-term goals

So when will fans finally get to see Paul Pogba in a Monaco shirt? If everything goes according to plan, early October is the target. The club has been deliberately vague about which fixture could mark his return, but the feeling is that when it happens, he’ll be ready—truly ready.

The 2025-26 season offers a fresh start, and for Pogba, perhaps even a final chance to shape the end of his career on his own terms. If Monaco get this right, they won’t just have added a star name—they’ll have unlocked a player still capable of dominating games, dictating tempo, and lifting trophies.

For now, though, Pogba will continue his quiet graft behind the scenes. The spotlight may have dimmed temporarily, but when it shines again, Monaco want to make sure he’s at his brightest.