Ever since Paul Pogba's contract with Juventus was terminated in mid-November, the French midfielder has been strongly linked with Olympique Marseille. His doping suspension will come to an end in March, but he will not finish the season with Marseille. This is entirely due to French regulations.
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Paul Pogba’s future remains uncertain as he continues to search for a club following the termination of his contract with Juventus in mid-November.
The French midfielder, once considered one of the most dominant players in world football, has been unable to play since being handed a suspension after testing positive for testosterone. Initially, the punishment was a four-year ban, a sanction that could have effectively ended his career at the top level. However, after an appeal, the sentence was reduced to eighteen months, making him eligible to return to competitive football as early as next month.
Since his contract with Juventus was terminated, Pogba has been heavily linked with a return to France, with Olympique Marseille seen as a potential destination. The move seemed logical on paper Marseille, currently fighting for a European spot in Ligue 1, could have benefited from Pogba’s experience and quality in midfield. Moreover, a return to his home country could have been an ideal scenario for the player, allowing him to regain form in a competitive environment while working his way back into top-flight football.
However, despite months of speculation in the French media, Pogba will not be playing for Marseille this season. Unlike many other European leagues, which allow clubs to sign free agents at any point in the season, France enforces stricter registration policies. The French football authorities have implemented a rule that even unattached players can only be registered during official transfer windows. This policy is designed to maintain competitive balance and fairness among clubs, preventing teams from gaining an advantage by signing experienced free agents outside of designated transfer periods.
As the winter transfer window officially closed on Monday night at 11:59 PM, Marseille or any other French club will be unable to register Pogba for the remainder of the season. The earliest possible opportunity for him to sign with a Ligue 1 side will be during the summer window, when the market reopens. This rule applies to all teams in the French football system, meaning that Pogba’s immediate future will likely have to be resolved outside of France.
While the rule is generally strict, the French football federation does allow for a few exceptions. If a club’s goalkeeper suffers a serious injury, they are permitted to sign a replacement outside of the transfer window. Similarly, if a player representing the French national team is ruled out for at least three months due to injury, the affected club may be granted permission to bring in a replacement. The most tragic exception is in the event of a player’s passing, in which case clubs are allowed to make an emergency signing.
With Marseille now ruled out as a short-term option, Pogba’s search for a new club continues. Several clubs outside of France could still emerge as potential destinations. The Middle East has been increasingly attractive for high-profile players seeking a fresh start, and clubs from Saudi Arabia have been mentioned as possible suitors. The Saudi Pro League, which has already attracted stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, could offer Pogba a lucrative contract and a competitive environment to rebuild his career.
Turkey is another potential destination, with the Super Lig often serving as a landing spot for experienced European players looking to revive their careers. Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş have all shown interest in high-profile signings in recent years, and Pogba could fit into their plans if a deal is reached before the Turkish transfer window closes.
A return to Serie A also remains a possibility, albeit unlikely. Although Juventus severed ties with him, other Italian clubs could be interested in signing the World Cup winner if he proves his fitness. AC Milan and Inter Milan have both made midfield reinforcements in recent seasons, but given Pogba’s recent struggles, they may be reluctant to take a gamble on him.
The Premier League, where Pogba once played for Manchester United, is another league where clubs may be monitoring his situation. While a return to United is not on the table, mid-table teams in need of experience in midfield could be tempted to explore a short-term deal. However, concerns over his injury history and lack of playing time in recent years could deter clubs from making a move.
For Pogba, the next few months will be crucial. At 30 years old, he still has time to revive his career, but any club interested in him will want assurances regarding his fitness and ability to contribute at a high level. If he remains without a club for an extended period, it could significantly damage his chances of making a meaningful comeback.
For now, what seemed like an obvious route back to top-level football joining Marseille is no longer an option, at least until the summer. Pogba will now have to consider alternatives if he wants to return to action as soon as his suspension ends in March. Whether that means moving outside of Europe, waiting for the next transfer window, or negotiating a deal with a club where the market is still open, the next chapter of his career remains uncertain.
Updated: 03:06, 4 Feb 2025
