Paul Pogba Set to Join Monaco After Return from Doping Suspension
Paul Pogba is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to AS Monaco, marking his highly anticipated return to competitive football following a suspension for doping.
Multiple reports have revealed that the former Juventus and Manchester United star is expected to cut short his summer break in order to finalize the transfer deal. This move would see the French midfielder return to Ligue 1 as he looks to revive his career after an extended period away from the pitch.
Pogba’s Suspension and Return
Pogba was provisionally suspended in September 2023 after testing positive for a banned substance following Juventus’ opening Serie A match of the 2023/24 season against Udinese. The positive test, which was conducted randomly, initially led to a four-year ban—a standard penalty under anti-doping regulations.
However, after lodging an appeal, Pogba’s suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2024, after the panel found that the substance had been taken inadvertently.
The banned substance in question was DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), which is known to boost testosterone levels and is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. According to CAS, Pogba did not intentionally seek to enhance his performance but had unknowingly ingested the substance, leading to a more lenient punishment.
Exit from Juventus and Fresh Start
Following the resolution of his case, Pogba reached a mutual agreement with Juventus to terminate his contract, effectively ending his second spell at the Turin-based club. He was officially free to resume his football career in March 2025, and has since been weighing his options for a comeback.
With Monaco keen to add experience and flair to their midfield, Pogba’s arrival could serve as a major boost for the Ligue 1 side ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
As he prepares to sign with Monaco, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Pogba performs after a difficult chapter in his career. The move offers him a chance at redemption and the opportunity to reestablish himself at the top level of European football.
