Paul Pogba is on the verge of having his contract with Monaco torn up, according to reports. The former Manchester United midfielder signed a two-year deal with the Ligue 1 club last summer, but a hamstring injury sustained during Monaco's pre-season tour at St George's Park could sideline him for several months.
Contract termination talks underway
The Athletic understands that both club and player are in discussions about mutually terminating the contract. Pogba has made just six appearances for Monaco, all in Ligue 1 last season, and was present for their 3-2 pre-season friendly victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. However, he has been absent throughout pre-season due to fitness concerns, and his future at the club looks increasingly uncertain.
Monaco CEO casts doubt on Pogba's future
Last month, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro suggested Pogba could leave this summer. "Maybe he'll leave, yes, maybe he'll stay here, yes," Scuro told a news conference. "That's [Pogba's future] a very complicated subject because we have a lot of respect for Paul. For the person first of all.
"When he first arrived here he was very positive, he worked, he helped the young players. But the truth is that the project didn't go well last season. When we started this project during the summer, the expectations that we had were different to what happened."
Scuro added: "I think now, we must be fair to him, look at his preparation every week, to see how he has progressed, his physical level, his technical level. And after, that will be a decision for the coach. If the coach decides to give him game time or not. That depends completely on performances. We have the summer to see what Paul's level will be.
"With Paul, the relationship has always been open, transparent. If, at a certain time, the player's objectives and the club's are different, we have to talk and find a solution. Performance will give all the answers we need."
Pogba's career setbacks and United legacy
Pogba was handed a four-year ban in February 2024 for a doping violation, but it was successfully appealed and reduced to 18 months. He made his first football appearance in 26 months last November after joining Monaco.
Pogba rose through the academy at United and returned to Old Trafford for £89.3 million in 2016 following a stint at Juventus. He became a key player under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his six-year second spell, making more than 200 appearances. He left United again in 2022 when his contract expired and rejoined Juventus before moving to Monaco.
