Paul Pogba is only three and a half months away from his return to the pitch after an 18-month suspension for doping. The French midfielder, champion of the 2018 World Cup, was left without a club after Juventus terminated his contract, and now he emerges as a rare opportunity in the market. Free, talented, and with something to prove, Pogba has it all to become one of the names most spoken about for the next transfer window.
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The situation, of course, has attracted the interest of big European clubs and fired up the rumour mill. According to RMC Sport, Olympique de Marseille is leading the race for his signature, while the player himself has shown enthusiasm at the idea of restarting his career in France. Additionally, Turkish media have mentioned Fenerbahçe as another potential destination for the midfielder. But is Marseille the ideal stage for Pogba to rewrite his story?
Is Marseille the home Pogba needs?
Wearing Olympique de Marseille's jersey is more than just a rumor. Pogba himself opened the door in a recent interview, saying the idea "is intriguing" and that he is open to exploring the opportunity. There's something in that statement that goes beyond a simple protocol response: it's a sign that he wants to return to his roots and, more importantly, rebuild his image in a familiar environment.
That could be the perfect setting for Pogba: Marseille is currently second in Ligue 1, five points behind PSG, but with a more ambitious rebuilding process under one of the most promising coaches in European soccer, Roberto De Zerbi. Pogba's arrival would not be just a technical addition but the missing piece to solidify the project and perhaps challenge PSG for the title.
Furthermore, Pogba would be reunited with names he knows well, such as Adrien Rabiot. Such reunions would be filled with memories of the past and would indeed play a major role in helping Pogba grow comfortable and confident enough to return to his best. The Vélodrome, with its passionate fans and electrifying atmosphere, could very well be just what Pogba needs to revive his career.
Fenerbahçe and the Turkish offer
While Marseille currently looks like the favorite, Fenerbahçe has become a very serious option. Turkish soccer has been a haven for well-known players who seek new challenges and salaries that are still competitive. With his technical ability and international experience, Pogba could thrive in Turkish soccer and immediately become the biggest star of the league.
But Fenerbahçe is a risk, too: The level of competition and exposure will be considerably lower than in France or any of the major European leagues. For a player like Pogba, who is seeking to get back into top-flight soccer and maybe even work his way onto the French national team, opting for Turkey might be seen as an easier route rather than a strategic one.
What does Pogba still bring to the table?
The question everyone has now is: what version of Paul Pogba are we going to see after 18 months away? The Frenchman has always walked the line between brilliance and inconsistency. At his peak, Pogba is technical, physical, and possesses rare vision. It was this version of Pogba that shined during the 2018 World Cup, where he became a key piece in France's title run.
The last few years have been marred by injuries, controversies off the field, and a drop in performance that reached its climax with this suspension. Now, Pogba has the perfect opportunity to prove he still matters in European soccer. At 30, he is far from being a veteran in the last stages of his career. With the right mentality and setting, Pogba can prove that he still has much to give.