By Stephen Simon
AS Monaco are reportedly in talks with Paul Pogba over the early termination of his contract, potentially bringing the midfielder’s spell at the Ligue 1 club to an abrupt end.
Pogba joined Monaco last summer on a two-year contract after returning to professional football following an 18-month suspension for a doping violation. However, his debut season was severely affected by injury, limiting him to a handful of appearances.
The club had expected the former France international to play a more significant role this season, but the arrival of new head coach Filipe Luis appears to have prompted a rethink of Monaco’s midfield options.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Monaco have offered Pogba a mutual termination of his contract and want to complete the process before September 1, giving the player an opportunity to find a new club during the current transfer window.
Romano reported on Wednesday that the decision now rests with Pogba, who is currently injured, after the club informed his representatives of its plans.
Pogba’s return to football followed a doping case that initially resulted in a four-year suspension after he tested positive for DHEA in August 2023. The midfielder maintained that the substance had entered his system inadvertently through a supplement.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport subsequently reduced the ban to 18 months, paving the way for his return in March 2025.
Should the proposed agreement with Monaco be finalised, Pogba will become a free agent and will have to assess his options as he seeks to revive his career after a difficult period marked by injury and suspension.
