Paul Pogba set to leave Juventus after doping ban reduced

French midfielder Paul Pogba, 31 years old, is close to starting a new phase of his career, this time far from Juventus. In the aftermath of the reduction of his suspension for doping from four years to 18 months, Pogba could return to the field in March 2025. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, however, that return is not likely to be with the Turin club. In fact, all but a contract termination between Pogba and Juventus is a formality with the player reaching free agency status in a few months.

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Pogba and Juventus 

When Pogba rejoined Juventus in 2022, expectations ran high. Fans were hoping to see the same player who wowed the world during his first spell at the club between 2012 and 2016. It did not quite pan out that way. Pogba, who signed a contract through 2026 with an annual salary of €8 million plus performance bonuses, was hit by a series of injuries early on into his return to Turin. To make it all worse, his doping suspension came in September 2023, cutting short a troubled second spell with the club.

All in all, he has earned just a mere 212 minutes in 12 appearances since his return. The fans, expecting stellar performances, had to put up with cameo appearances that were both short and unimpressive. It seems the strained relationship between player and club, especially over his frequent injuries and lack of form, finally snapped after the doping case. Pogba took to social media to celebrate the reduction in his suspension without any mention of Juventus, simply an indication that the relationship between parties had indeed been breached.

TAS ruling and Pogba's fresh start

The reduction in Pogba's doping suspension had come as a much-needed relief for the player. He has called this period of suspension a "nightmare" in an official statement, thanking at least the TAS for listening to his side of the story. "I have always maintained that I never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations," Pogba said. He added that he could not wait to chase his dream once again on the field.

Yet, despite the optimism, it went without saying that the future of Pogba no longer features Juventus. The fact that he had not mentioned the club-in both his social media posts and his official statement-reinforced the impression that a termination of the contract is afoot. On its part, Juventus also appears to be as disinterested in retaining him for financial reasons, as well as the minimal impact he's had on the field since returning.

The consequences of the split for Juventus and Pogba

A separation between Pogba and Juventus would go well with both parties. To Juventus, in their rebuilding phase to restructure the current team, it would mean eliminating the financial burden his presence causes and investing in more youngsters or reliable players. After all, keeping such a highly salaried player who has so few appearances no longer makes sense for the Old Lady.

The termination gives Pogba the opportunity for a fresh start in new colors. He will be a free agent and may search out a club where he will reboot his career and show that he has plenty to offer on the football pitch. But one question still begs an answer: who will take a chance on Pogba? After all the injuries and the doping scandal, the market for the Frenchman simply won't be as strong as it once would have been.