Paul Pogba has been out of action since September 2023 due to a doping ban but is targeting a return to action in order to secure a spot in France's 2026 World Cup squad
Paul Pogba playing for Manchester United
Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, 32, is once again being linked with a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), following the end of his doping ban and his ongoing search for a new team. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has been without a club since November, after being released by Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
It wasn't long before Pogba was tipped as the next big-name signing for David Beckham's Inter Miami, with the England icon reportedly discussing the possibility of Pogba joining Lionel Messi and Co. at Chase Stadium, according to ESPN. Currently residing and training in Miami, Pogba fuelled further speculation about an MLS switch when he attended an LAFC match against Austin FC in March, where he reconnected with current Black and Gold stars and former France teammates Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud.
However, it has now come to light that any serious bid for Pogba would first require negotiations with D. C. United for his Discovery Rights. As reported by Give Me Sport on Monday, Troy Lesesne's side holds the Frenchman's rights, giving them the first right of refusal to negotiate with him.
While D.C. has not yet made an offer, informal discussions took place around two months ago. If D.C. decides not to sign Pogba, any other MLS team wishing to do so would first have to compensate the Eastern Conference team via General Allocation Money for his rights.
The MLS isn't the only league eyeing a move for Pogba, with clubs from Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia also showing interest. Among the suitors, Fiorentina and Marseille have emerged as potential destinations.
Marseille's president, Pablo Longoria, revealed on Cadena SER that they had considered signing Pogba: "We had conversations and we had this opportunity because [Pogba] had come onto the market.
"However, we decided not to do it this season because we thought that his recovery time could upset the balance of the squad. And that would raise expectations. We felt that it would be counterproductive."
According to ESPN, Pogba is aiming for a place in Didier Deschamps' French squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Despite not playing since September 2023, Deschamps confirmed ongoing communication with Pogba in March, expressing confidence in his comeback.
"We're talking, and I won't tell you the details," Deschamps stated. "Yes, he has the ability and the mentality to return to the highest level. It won't happen overnight, but for the moment, he hasn't made a decision. We'll see."
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