WHAT HAPPENED?
Initially banned for four years due to testing positive for a banned substance, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently reduced Pogba’s suspension to 18 months, meaning he can return to action by March 2025. Despite his eagerness to revive his career at Juventus, where he is currently contracted, club director Cristiano Giuntoli has made it clear that the club are unlikely to welcome Pogba back after his ban ends and will instead look to find an amicable exit route for the player.
WHAT SAGNA SAID
Bacary Sagna, who played for Arsenal and the French national team, feels that the Premier League would be the ideal destination for the 31-year-old midfielder. Speaking to Paddy Power, the former defender said: “The Premier League suits Paul Pogba – I would love to see him join Arsenal. It would be great – he has experience; he loves to play with young players around him – that is when he is most efficient. At the 2018 World Cup, that was when he was most efficient – he had friends around him. Arsenal have a young, fresh team, and I see him performing in an Arsenal shirt. He will get love from their fans. Now, he can start from scratch again – he’s had time away from football, and he’ll be back with a desire to get back into a good space and play football again.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Pogba’s second stint at Manchester United, following a club-record £89 million ($115m) move in 2016, failed to live up to expectations. Despite moments of brilliance, the Frenchman struggled with consistency during his six years at Old Trafford, which coincided with a turbulent period for the club. His return to Juventus in 2022 was supposed to reignite his career, but injuries and the suspension have halted his progress once again.
WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?
After a shock defeat to Stuttgart in the Champions League, Juventus will aim to return to winning ways against arch-rivals Inter in Seria A on Sunday.