Paul Pogba Signals Intent for Monaco Free Transfer as French Midfielder Eyes Career Revival After Doping Ban

From Turin to the Côte d’Azur: Paul Pogba’s Journey Back to the Game Could Begin at Monaco

Paul Pogba is ready to write a new chapter. Nearly two years since his last competitive match and six months into free agency, the World Cup-winning midfielder is sending a loud and clear message: he’s not done yet. And if reports out of France are to be believed, his long road back to football may lead him to Monaco.

At 32 years old and with a turbulent few seasons behind him—riddled with injury and shadowed by a doping ban—Pogba is reportedly in advanced talks with AS Monaco. The Ligue 1 club has approached the situation cautiously, understandably wary of both his physical condition and off-field baggage. But Paul Pogba appears determined to convince them that he’s worth the gamble.

Paul Pogba and Monaco: Talks “Well Underway”

Paul Pogba of Juventus FC laughs during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and Juventus in September 2023

According to trusted French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, negotiations between Paul Pogba and Monaco are “well underway.” This isn’t just a vague possibility—it’s a very real prospect being taken seriously on both sides.

And Paul Pogba isn’t treating it like just another job offer. He has, by all accounts, “put everything in place” to relocate to the south of France as quickly and smoothly as possible. He’s even reportedly made clear that he’s willing to take a substantial pay cut to make the deal work.

It’s a move that would bring him back to Ligue 1 for the first time since his teenage days at Le Havre and offer a much-needed restart in a quieter, less scrutinized environment. The luxurious yet low-pressure setting of Monaco might be exactly what Pogba needs to rediscover his rhythm, both on and off the pitch.

Sacrifice and Redemption: Paul Pogba’s Road Back

Pogba’s willingness to sacrifice financially highlights how serious he is about getting back on the pitch. This is not the same Pogba who once commanded a then-world record transfer fee from Juventus to Manchester United, nor the global brand who made millions through endorsement deals and sponsorships.

No, this version of Paul Pogba is stripped back, grounded, and—by his own admission—humbled. His previous €10 million salary at Juventus was slashed to just €2,000 a month after his suspension was confirmed. The flashy lifestyle and media spectacle that often surrounded him seem to have taken a back seat as he focuses on one simple goal: playing football again.

For a man who’s lifted the World Cup and won league titles in both Italy and England, this moment feels more personal than professional. It’s not about legacy anymore; it’s about redemption.

The Doping Ban: A Career on Pause

Pogba’s fall from grace was sudden and, for many, shocking. The former Juventus star was provisionally suspended in September 2023 after testing positive for testosterone metabolites. His four-year ban—a decision he continues to appeal—sent shockwaves through the footballing world.

Until that point, Paul Pogba’s career had already been on a downward trajectory. His second stint with Juventus was plagued by persistent injuries, limited minutes, and flashes of brilliance that were few and far between. But the doping case put everything on ice. Even his harshest critics wouldn’t have predicted such a dramatic pause in a once-glittering career.

Still, Pogba has refused to disappear. He’s kept in shape, stayed out of further trouble, and, if this Monaco deal goes through, could return to competitive football just in time to make an impact in the 2025-26 season.

Monaco’s Gamble: Risk vs. Reward

For Monaco, this is a high-risk, high-reward scenario. On the one hand, they’re potentially bringing in a player who hasn’t played at top level in two years and whose physical readiness is uncertain. On the other, they’re getting a proven winner with Champions League experience, elite-level intelligence in midfield, and a desire to prove everyone wrong.

The timing might work in Monaco’s favor, too. With a relatively young squad and ambitions of climbing higher in Ligue 1, having a seasoned leader in the dressing room could be invaluable. And Paul Pogba, with his deep ties to French football and natural charisma, could be the mentor their budding talents need.

There’s also the marketing angle. A return of Pogba to Ligue 1 would attract attention, increase visibility for the club, and perhaps even help shift a few more shirts.

But ultimately, it’s what he brings on the pitch that will determine whether this comeback is remembered as a fairytale or a footnote.

What’s Next for Paul Pogba?

Atalanta BC v Juventus – Serie A

Pogba has been a free agent since his contract with Juventus effectively ended in late November 2024. According to FIFA rules, he’s been eligible to sign with any club since January 1, 2025. The fact that it’s now mid-June and no deal has been finalized suggests clubs remain cautious—understandably so.

However, if the Monaco deal is finalized soon, Pogba will have the entire summer to integrate into the squad, regain match fitness, and prepare for a new chapter in August when the 2025-26 season kicks off.

He might not be the box-to-box force he once was, but his passing range, vision, and ability to dictate tempo remain world-class when he’s on his game. Even at 80%, Paul Pogba brings a dimension few midfielders can replicate.

Final Whistle: One Last Dance in France?

This could be the final act in Paul Pogba’s storied career. Not a glamorous return to the Premier League, not a glitzy move to Saudi Arabia or MLS—but a thoughtful, strategic decision to come home.

Home to the country where it all began. Home to a league that shaped his youth. And perhaps most importantly, home to a quieter, more reflective Paul Pogba—one who still has something to say, even if his voice has been silent for a while.

Time will tell if Monaco is willing to take the leap. But one thing is clear: Paul Pogba is ready to work, ready to sacrifice, and ready to remind the football world why his name once echoed through stadiums across Europe.

And maybe, just maybe, we haven’t seen the last of the Pogba magic.