Pol Pogba Princely Pardon: A bold Monaco comeback

After a tumultuous period away from the pitch, French World Cup winner Paul Pogba is set for a dramatic return to top-flight football, signing a two-year contract with AS Monaco. The 32-year-old midfielder, who hasn’t played competitively since September 2023, is poised to make his long-awaited Ligue 1 debut following his recovery from a doping suspension that threatened to derail his illustrious career.

From ban to breakthrough: The road to redemption

Multiple sources close to the deal have confirmed Pogba’s move to Monaco, with official club announcements anticipated early next week. This contract, set to run until 2027, provides Pogba a golden opportunity to resurrect his career at a club with escalating ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Monaco’s return to the Champions League next season was reportedly a crucial factor in Pogba’s decision, offering him the chance to once again compete at the sport’s pinnacle.

The former Manchester United and Juventus star endured a frustrating hiatus after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA. Initially slapped with a four-year ban, Pogba successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced his suspension to 18 months, making him eligible to return in March 2025. Since then, he has been privately training, meticulously weighing his next move.

Rejecting riches for European dreams

Despite receiving lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, and even a speculative approach from Marseille, Pogba was resolute in his desire to remain in Europe and compete at a high level. His aim? To reignite his international ambitions. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a return to France provides both familiarity and the ideal competitive environment to force his way back into Didier Deschamps’ plans for the national squad.

Monaco’s calculated gamble

For Monaco, the signing of Pogba is a calculated risk. While his pedigree is undeniable – boasting a trophy cabinet that includes a World Cup, four Serie A titles, and Europa League success – legitimate questions linger over his fitness and ability to regain top form after such a prolonged absence. Nevertheless, the Principality club remains confident that Pogba’s immense experience and technical prowess will inject much-needed quality into their midfield as they aim to make a significant impact in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Pogba is expected to undergo a comprehensive medical in the coming days before joining his new teammates for pre-season training. His debut for Monaco could potentially occur as early as the start of the new Ligue 1 campaign, depending on his fitness levels and readiness to compete at the highest level.

This move marks a bold new chapter for Pogba, whose career has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and challenging lows. If the Frenchman can rediscover even a fraction of the form that once made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football, Monaco may have pulled off one of the summer’s most significant transfer coups.