Paul Pogba and Juventus Mutually Terminate Contract

Paul Pogba is set to depart Juventus on November 30, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The 31-year-old’s departure comes after his doping ban, which originated from test results after a match against Udinese on August 20, 2023. Initially handed a four-year suspension in February for a doping offense, this was later reduced to 18 months in October, effective from his provisional ban in September 2023. According to sources close to Pogba, as reported by BBC Sport, he will be able to recommence training in January and become eligible to play again starting in March. The French midfielder will consequently be available to sign with a new team during the January transfer window. Juventus issued a statement, saying: “The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future.” Pogba also provided a comment: “It has been a privilege to pull on the shirt of the Bianconeri and to share so many special moments together. I cherish the memories we made. They live on. Even in the most difficult moments over the past year, your support was crucial and I want to thank Juve fans around the world for their compassion. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career and to stepping out on the pitch with my next club.” Prior to the ban, Pogba’s annual earnings at the Italian club were £6.9 million, under a contract that was set to expire in June 2026. Juventus reportedly reduced his monthly salary to approximately £2,000, in line with a collective agreement established between clubs and the players’ union. Pogba’s playing time has been significantly limited in recent years. During the 2022-23 season, he accumulated only 162 minutes across five appearances, and last season, he played a total of 51 minutes as a substitute before his suspension took effect. The reduction of his ban, coupled with his departure from Juventus, provides him with an opportunity to revive his career in the upcoming year. Pogba began his professional journey at Manchester United before transferring to Juventus, where he secured the Serie A title in each of his initial four seasons, achieving two domestic Doubles during that period. He subsequently rejoined Old Trafford in 2016 for a then world-record fee of £89 million, winning the Europa League and FA Cup in his inaugural season back with the club. With 91 caps for France, Pogba was instrumental in “Les Bleus'” triumph at the 2018 World Cup, netting a goal in the final match where they defeated Croatia 4-2 in Russia. His final three seasons at Manchester United were hampered by injuries and inconsistent form, and he did not achieve significant success upon his return to Juventus as a free agent.