Paul Pogba in Advanced Monaco Talks After Doping Ban

Paul Pogba Nears Monaco Move as He Seeks Return from Doping Suspension

Background of Suspension and Contract Termination

Paul Pogba, the 32-year-old French World Cup winner, saw his Juventus career cut short when he tested positive for the banned substance DHEA following the club’s opening 2023–24 Serie A fixture against Udinese. Provisionally suspended, he ultimately received a four-year ban that was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October after an appeal. Pogba and Juventus agreed on a mutual contract termination in November 2023, freeing him to resume training from March 2025.

Advanced Talks with AS Monaco

Sources indicate Monaco have entered advanced negotiations to sign Pogba on a two-year deal, aiming to finalize terms in the coming days. The Ligue 1 side have monitored his fitness closely during pre-season training, impressed by his conditioning and determination to return to top-flight football in his homeland.

CAS Ruling and DHEA Details

In its final judgment, CAS acknowledged Pogba’s inadvertent ingestion of DHEA—a testosterone-boosting agent on the World Anti-Doping Agency list—but noted it only confers performance benefits for female athletes. This key point secured the reduction of his ban from four years to 18 months, enabling his eligibility to resume competitive play from March 2025.

Career Impact and Prospects

Pogba’s potential move to Monaco represents a significant chapter for both player and club. Monaco envision leveraging his World Cup pedigree and midfield versatility to bolster their title aspirations. For Pogba, this transfer offers a platform to rebuild form and regain national team consideration ahead of future international tournaments.

What’s at Stake

• Contract length: Proposed two years

• Ban duration: 18 months (reduced from four years)

• Eligible from: March 2025

• Key benefit: CAS ruling on DHEA’s limited impact

Monaco’s recruitment of Pogba would mark one of the most high-profile Ligue 1 signings of the summer, underscoring their ambition domestically and in Europe. For Pogba, it signals a determined bid to restore his career after a turbulent period away from the sport. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Monaco’s announcement—and on Pogba’s readiness to light up the Stade Louis II once more.