In a major development, Manchester United and Paul Pogba have reportedly finalized an agreement that will see the French midfielder make a return to Old Trafford. The club is set to extend a short-term contract offer to Pogba, which includes strict conditions, in line with the conclusion of his doping suspension in March 2025. This decision highlights both Pogba’s determination to restart his professional football career and Manchester United’s calculated approach to addressing their current issues in midfield.
### Pogba’s Suspension and Contract Termination
Paul Pogba encountered a significant obstacle in his career in August 2023 when he was found to have tested positive for heightened levels of testosterone. This led to an initial provisional suspension while further investigations took place. The case escalated when the football authorities imposed a four-year ban on him, effectively sidelining him from professional play for an extended period. However, Pogba contested the ruling, seeking to have the punishment reduced. His appeal led to the involvement of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which in October 2024 ruled in favor of lowering his suspension to 18 months. This revision made it possible for Pogba to resume playing professionally by March 2025, significantly shortening the time he would be absent from the sport.
Meanwhile, as a consequence of the doping ban and the uncertainty surrounding his future in football, Juventus, the club he was playing for at the time, made the decision to part ways with the French midfielder. In November 2024, Juventus officially terminated Pogba’s contract, leaving him without a club and free to negotiate with other teams as a free agent. This move, though expected, left Pogba in a difficult position, needing to secure a new opportunity to reignite his playing career once his suspension ended.
### Manchester United’s Strategic Move
Recognizing both Pogba’s availability and their own midfield concerns, Manchester United has now taken the step to bring him back on a short-term deal. The agreement reportedly includes strict terms, likely reflecting concerns over fitness, form, and potential future controversies. By re-signing Pogba, the club aims to bolster its midfield options while also giving the talented playmaker a chance to prove himself again at the highest level of football.
Pogba’s return to Manchester United marks an interesting turn in his career, given his previous tenure at the club. After leaving for Juventus in 2012, he rejoined United in 2016 in what was then a record-breaking transfer. However, his second spell at Old Trafford was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field controversies, ultimately leading to his departure in 2022. Now, with a chance to make a fresh start, both Pogba and Manchester United will hope that this reunion proves beneficial for both parties.
