Paul Pogba willing to take wage cut to join shock club as sporting director confirms interest

Paul Pogba will be free to resume his career in March 2025 following a lengthy ban.

It has been an uncertain time for the former Juventus midfielder, who agreed to terminate his contract with the Serie A giants in November last year ahead of a much-anticipated return to football.

The 31-year-old was suspended for four years in 2023 after an initial sample taken after a game against Udinese showed DHEA – a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone – was found in his system.

In response, Pogba denied "knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations" and stressed he would appeal the verdict.

Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport revealed that Pogba's appeal was partially successful and his ban had been reduced to 18 months from 11 September, 2023, meaning he is able to return to the field in March 2025.

So what next? The midfielder's priority is to stay in Europe, according to Italian journalist Nicolò Schira, who claims a number of bids have been made from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and MLS.

Pogba, meanwhile, is willing to take a wage cut in order to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.

A report from RMC Sport went on to claim that the prospect of bringing Pogba to the Stade Vélodrome has been 'validated' by manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Pogba is keen on a move to Marseille, according to reports. Image credit: Getty

Speaking in an interview with French publication L’Equipe, Marseille's sporting director Medhi Benatia confirmed the club's interest in Pogba.

The former Bayern Munich and Juventus defender also revealed why they didn't bring the midfielder to Marseille in the winter transfer window.

“He is a player, a man that both President Longoria and I admire,” said the former Juventus defender.

“We thought about him, we wanted to do it, but did it make sense to bring in a Pogba who was not yet in shape? The risk was to disrupt the balance of the team with a player who wouldn’t have been at his best by the end of the season."

Benatia added: "However, if the opportunity arises, we would be happy to have a player like Pogba who can help us in the next campaign.”

Do you think a move to Marseille would be a good one for Pogba? Let us know in the comments.