Paul Pogba linked with joining Lionel Messi in MLS following CAS drug ban ruling as Juventus make contract decision: Reports 

Paul Pogba could join Lionel Messi in the MLS following his ban reduction (Image: Getty)Paul Pogba could join Lionel Messi in the MLS following his ban reduction (Image: Getty)

According to CentreGoals (Via Gazzetta dello Sport) on X, Paul Pogba will not continue with Juventus when he returns to football in 2025. The Frenchman will reportedly switch to Major League Soccer (MLS) to get his career back on track.

The French midfielder recently saw his drug ban reduced from four years to 18 months and is expected to make a return to the pitch in March. Pogba was banned last year after testing positive for using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). He appealed the ban after claiming the substance wasn’t taken deliberately and recently received a lesser sentence from the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

Now, as per the aforementioned report, the 31-year-old will not be making a return to Juventus. It is reported that Pogba’s contract will either be terminated, or he will have a mutual agreement for separation with the Serie A club.

The report also suggests that the former Manchester United star will likely head to the United States to reignite his career. If that happens, he will join the list of high-profile players who have recently moved to the MLS from Europe, like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and most notably Lionel Messi.

Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since then, the MLS has been able to secure the services of more high-profile stars who are looking to wind down their careers.

It is highly unlikely that Paul Pogba, at the age of 31 and after being out of competitive football for over a year, will garner major interest from the top clubs in Europe. Therefore, a move to the United States could be the perfect career decision for him at the moment.

Paul Pogba breaks silence after doping ban reduction

Paul Pogba has recently spoken out after his ban was reduced from four years to 18 months by CAS. In a statement as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X, the 2018 World Cup winner expressed his happiness about nearing his return to football.

“Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again,” Pogba said.

The Juventus star reiterated his innocence and expressed disappointment on being out of football for the past couple of months:

“I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation. This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”

He concluded by showing gratitude for the support he got during the challenging periuod, stating his optimism to be back on the pitch:

“Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!.”

Paul Pogba is expected to return to training in January 2025 and will be eligible to play two months later. He last featured for Juventus in September 2023.