Juventus unwavering, insists on Pogba's contract termination

Paul Pogba’s situation at Juventus has become a hot topic in recent weeks as the French international continues to navigate the aftermath of his anti-doping violation.

A few days ago, Pogba stated in multiple interviews that he is willing to accept a significant salary reduction to remain at Juventus, a club he rejoined in 2022 amid great expectations. However, despite his willingness to negotiate and sacrifice, Juventus is standing firm on its decision to sever ties with the French midfielder, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The 30-year-old midfielder’s career has been marred by injuries and now by this doping scandal, which has led to an 18-month suspension. Originally facing a four-year ban, Pogba’s sentence was reduced, giving him the possibility to return to the pitch in March 2025. Yet, even with this lighter punishment, Juventus seems uninterested in keeping him on the roster, and the club is pushing forward with contract termination negotiations that have been ongoing for some time.

Pogba’s return to Juventus in 2022 was seen as a homecoming after his free transfer from Manchester United. The Italian side had fond memories of Pogba’s first spell in Turin, where he flourished between 2012 and 2016, helping the club win multiple Serie A titles. However, the circumstances surrounding his second stint have been far from ideal. The contract Pogba signed upon his return, which runs until 2026, is a heavy financial burden for Juventus. He earns eight million euros per year, with additional bonuses, including two million euros as a loyalty bonus for this season and a further four million set for the next.

Given the club’s financial restructuring and efforts to balance its books, maintaining Pogba on such lucrative terms, especially with his prolonged absence, is not viable. Juventus is also looking to move on from players associated with the previous project, led by former managers, and Pogba’s situation aligns with that strategy. His repeated injuries and inability to contribute consistently on the field have only reinforced the club’s desire to cut ties.

The doping case, in which Pogba tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone after Juventus’ Serie A opener against Udinese, has further complicated the situation. While his suspension was reduced, Juventus views this as a significant breach of trust. The club is exploring the possibility of a unilateral contract termination, potentially citing Pogba’s prolonged unavailability as a breach of contract. If Juventus goes down this path, they may argue that his inability to play for such an extended period, exacerbated by the doping ban, constitutes grounds for ending the contract without the need for a mutual agreement.

Juventus hopes to finalize these negotiations by January 2024, which would give Pogba the opportunity to sign with another club. Several potential destinations have been floated, with Major League Soccer (MLS) emerging as a possible option. The growing appeal of the U.S. league, particularly for high-profile European players in the later stages of their careers, makes it an attractive option for Pogba, who could be tempted by the idea of a fresh start in North America. In addition to MLS, there have also been rumors linking Pogba to a return to France, with Marseille reportedly showing interest in bringing him back to Ligue 1.

For Pogba, this situation marks another difficult chapter in what has been a challenging few years. After struggling to maintain consistent form at Manchester United, he had hoped that his return to Juventus would reignite his career. Unfortunately, a combination of injuries and off-field issues has prevented him from making the desired impact. Despite these setbacks, Pogba remains eager to continue playing, and his willingness to reduce his salary shows that he is still committed to Juventus. However, with the club firmly focused on moving forward without him, it seems likely that his future lies elsewhere.

As the January deadline approaches, Pogba will need to consider his next steps carefully. Whether he opts for a move to MLS or stays in Europe, the months ahead will be critical in determining how the next phase of his career unfolds. Juventus, on the other hand, will be eager to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, allowing them to shift focus entirely onto the future and the next phase of their rebuild.