Paul Pogba has been urged to avoid a return to the Premier League with Manchester United as the midfielder weighs up his options after serving an 18-month ban
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Paul Pogba is free to return to football
Paul Pogba is free to return to football(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Chris Waddle has suggested that Paul Pogba would be better off returning to Italy or playing in France rather than returning to Manchester United. The 32-year-old midfielder is now free to resume his football career after his 18-month doping ban concluded earlier this month.
Pogba was initially banned for four years, but a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) led to a significantly reduced suspension. Now, the France international is available to sign for a club as a free agent and, unsurprisingly, there have been rumours of a sensational move back to Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim will be active in the first summer of his massive rebuild, but with finances tight before player sales, some fans see Pogba as a potential bargain. However, United's new recruitment strategy, implemented by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's revamped football leadership team, has pledged to move away from prioritising big-name shirt-sellers.
Ineos have adopted a more long-term approach, with Matthijs de Ligt being the oldest of the new regime's seven senior signings at just 25. Amorim is also likely to target a different profile to Pogba amid his urgent need for midfield engines who can cover ground at the heart of his 3-4-3 system.
Waddle concurs that the chances of the World Cup winner returning to Old Trafford are slim. Speaking to 10bet, as quoted by the Express, the former England international said: "It's a hard one. He's never really done it in England, has he, Paul?
Paul Pogba has been linked with a Man Utd return.
Paul Pogba has been linked with a Man Utd return.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
"He came on the scene, and he looked the part and went to Italy. I think that sort of football suits him. It's a bit slower; it's not box-to-box, and it's more patient."
Waddle attributes the suitability of foreign leagues for Pogba to the climate. He said: "Weather conditions sometimes dictate the pace abroad. The sun, the heat. I think he was more suited to that type of game rather than the hustle and bustle of England."
Instead, he has suggested that a switch to Marseille or the Italian league would be ideal for Pogba. Waddle added: "For me, France, Marseille would be a good move, and obviously, the Italian league would be a good move for him. I think he's best suited to one of those two leagues."
Pogba has also been linked with potential transfers to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer (MLS), with a move to the US seeming more plausible given his frequent visits to Miami.