Paul Pogba’s tenure at Juventus appears to be winding down, as the club’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, confirmed that the squad is complete ahead of Pogba’s return from a doping ban. The French midfielder’s four-year suspension was recently shortened to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, allowing him to return in March. However, Giuntoli’s remarks suggest that the club has moved on without him. He highlighted Pogba’s lengthy absence from the pitch and stated that Juventus has invested in new players to bolster the team, leaving no place for the 31-year-old in their current lineup.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Pogba expressed a desire to remain with Juventus, even indicating a willingness to reduce his significant salary to do so. In interviews, he revealed a resolve to fight for his spot in the team. Since his provisional suspension in September 2022, Pogba has been surviving on a mere €2,000 monthly wage. However, his original contract, which runs until June 2026, holds a value of approximately €8 million per year, potentially rising by another €2 million through performance-related bonuses. His willingness to accept less underlines his commitment to the club and highlights the complexities surrounding players’ contracts in professional sports.
Juventus is reportedly looking to sever ties with Pogba, driven by the need to refresh their squad under new coach Thiago Motta. The club’s financial predicament is a critical factor in this decision, having reported losses close to €200 million for the previous season. Such a dire financial state necessitates a reevaluation of player commitments, especially with a high-salaried player like Pogba on the roster, who has not contributed to the team’s efforts in recent times. For Juventus, the focus on squad modernization is paramount, as they navigate both financial and competitive challenges within Serie A.
The current situation places both the club and Pogba in uncertain positions. Juventus is solidifying a team that they believe can perform effectively in Serie A, currently sitting fourth and trailing league leaders Napoli by three points. Winning the league and succeeding in other tournaments is crucial, and thus the decision to move forward without Pogba aligns with the club’s sports strategy. Meanwhile, Pogba faces a precarious future, with his once-promising career at a top club now hanging in the balance due to off-field issues.
As Pogba continues to train in pursuit of his professional comeback, he faces the implications of a changed environment at Juventus. The club’s focus on integration of new players while enhancing team dynamics places increased pressure on him, particularly with other talents vying for a place in the lineup. Even if he does return from his suspension, the question of whether he can regain his previous form and relevance in a restructured team remains open. The Italian media’s commentary about potential contract termination underscores the sentiment that the bridge may have been burned, no matter his dedication or intentions to continue playing for Juventus.
In summary, Paul Pogba’s future at Juventus is deeply uncertain, marred by a doping ban and the club’s strategic shift toward squad rejuvenation. Giuntoli’s declarations about a complete roster signal a clear relegation for Pogba within the team dynamic. His willingness to negotiate salary terms emphasizes a desire to remain, yet the financial and competitive realities push Juventus toward an overhaul. As both sides grapple with the fallout, the once-prominent midfielder now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his career and establish a foothold in a rapidly evolving football environment.
