Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba can now return to professional football after his ban came to an end
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Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is now free to return to football
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is now set for a return to football after his ban, following his suspension after a positive test on a banned substance, was lifted.
Pogba tested positive for DHEA in September 2023 and was banned for four years before an appeal saw his ban reduced to 18 months. DHEA is a substance that is banned by the anti-doping committee WADA as it promotes the growth of hormones including testosterone which can help enhance sporting performance.
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After a successful appeal, the anti-doping authorities agreed that Pogba had not taken the substance purposefully and reduced his ban to 18 months. The World Cup winner with France is now available as a free agent after reaching an agreement with Juventus to part ways earlier this season.
There's been plenty of speculation regarding Pogba's future in the game, with some even suggesting a remarkable return to Old Trafford for a third stint with the club.
Manchester Evening News has taken a closer look at the latest news regarding Pogba's future.
Four word message after ban comes to an end
Pogba shared an image on Instagram from friend Alessandro Rigo with the caption 'Look who is back' ahead of his return to football.
The 31-year-old is now free to find a new club having been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, while he's also spent a lot of time out in Miami, prompting speculation linking him with a move to David Beckham's Inter Miami.
Old Trafford return
There has been plenty of speculation linking Pogba with a return to Old Trafford but United have not seriously considered a move for their former midfielder.
Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, has been keen to see him return to Carrington in some form. "You'd like to think he would [be going somewhere]," the former defender said. "Surely, he's got to go somewhere.
"Pogba at United? I'd go, 'Come in and train with us and let's see what you've got.' I'd do that. I would've done that already. I'd say, 'Come in and get fit, and let's have a little look.'"
Marseille hint
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia revealed the Ligue 1 side has thought about a move for Pogba, who would be joining former United teammate Mason Greenwood at the Orange Vélodrome were he to move to Les Olympiens.
“We thought about it," Benatia said when asked about a potential move for Pogba. “We wanted to do it.
"The problem is, if we brought in Paul Pogba, who isn’t yet fit, does it make sense to shake up our squad for a player who won’t be able to participate in the end of the season?
“If something can be done, we will be delighted to welcome a player like Paul Pogba to give us a helping hand next year, if the opportunity presents itself."