Paul Pogba in talks with Champions League side over stunning return to action

Paul Pogba's possible return to Monaco could significantly impact betting lines, offering punters a chance to back a resurgence for both the player and his new club after his doping ban. If Pogba joins Monaco, his presence might enhance their odds in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, given his prior experience and talent.

Paul Pogba is in talks to return to football at Monaco, talkSPORT understands. The French midfielder has been without a club since leaving Juventus in December.

Pogba is in talks with Monaco over a return to football. The midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Juventus last year.

Pogba is free to return to action after serving an 18-month ban for doping offences. He was previously slapped with a four-year suspension before it was reduced in October. An initial £4,100 fine was also set aside following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling.

It followed a provisional suspension in September 2023 after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone. At the time, his agent Rafaela Pimenta said: “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.”

However, since his ban expired in March, Pogba has yet to find a new club. The 32-year-old is now in discussions with Monaco over a two-year deal. Pogba is understood to be giving the offer serious consideration as he is keen to return to action with an elite club.

Monaco will compete in next season’s Champions League following a third-placed finish in Ligue 1. Adi Hutter’s side will enter the competition at the league phase in September.

Pogba’s 18-month doping ban ended in March after being reduced from four years. The 32-year-old is eyeing a France return in time for next summer’s World Cup after a three-year hiatus from the national team. His initial ban would have ruled him out of the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

Prior to having his suspension reduced, Pogba would have been unable to return to football until March 2027. He has not featured for Les Bleus since winning his 91st cap in March 2022. Across those appearances, Pogba has scored 11 goals and was part of the World Cup-winning side in Russia seven years ago.

Meanwhile, a move to Monaco would represent his first return to French club football since leaving Le Havre for Manchester United as a 16-year-old. His move away from France at such a young age means Pogba has still yet to make a competitive appearance for a club in his home country. Instead, he has made 423 senior club appearances for Juventus and United, scoring 73 goals and providing 90 assists.

Talksport