In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through European football, Paul Pogba is reportedly on the verge of completing a stunning career resurrection with AS Monaco, just hours after his Juventus contract was officially terminated.
The Fall from Grace
The French World Cup winner's career has been in freefall since receiving a four-year doping ban earlier this year, effectively ending his second stint with Juventus. The Italian giants confirmed on Monday that they had reached a mutual agreement to terminate the 31-year-old's contract, valued at approximately €8 million annually.
Pogba's nightmare began when he tested positive for testosterone following Juventus' opening match of the season against Udinese last August. Despite the midfielder's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his football future appeared bleak until Monaco emerged as potential saviours.
Monaco Medical Imminent
According to French publication L'Equipe, Pogba is scheduled to undergo his medical with Monaco imminently, potentially as early as this week. The Principality club, managed by former Bayern Munich boss Adi Hutter, sees the experienced midfielder as a valuable addition despite his recent troubles.
'This represents a remarkable turnaround for a player whose career seemed all but over,' noted one insider familiar with the negotiations.
Tottenham's Brief Interest
The transfer saga took another surprising turn when Tottenham Hotspur emerged as potential contenders for Pogba's signature. Manager Ange Postecoglou reportedly considered the Frenchman as he seeks to bolster his midfield options ahead of the new Premier League season.
However, Spurs ultimately decided against pursuing the deal, leaving Monaco as the clear frontrunner for one of football's most unexpected comebacks.
What This Means for Pogba
- Return to Ligue 1 after 12 years away from French football
- Opportunity to rebuild his career and reputation
- Potential reduction in his doping ban through cooperation
- Chance to prove he still has elite-level football in his legs
Pogba's potential move to Monaco represents not just a transfer, but a lifeline for a player whose £89 million move to Manchester United in 2016 once made him the world's most expensive footballer. Now, at 31, he faces what could be his final opportunity to salvage a career that promised so much but has delivered endless drama and controversy.
