Paul Pogba is expected to leave Monaco, with discussions under way over terminating his contract before it expires at the end of next season.
The former France international joined the Ligue 1 club last summer after being cleared to return to professional football following an 18-month doping ban. Pogba agreed a two-year deal with Monaco, but a source has told the BBC that talks over an early departure are progressing and are expected to be completed soon.
Monaco have not commented on the situation.
Pogba’s first campaign with the club was affected by injury, limiting his opportunities after his return to the game. There had been an expectation that the 2018 World Cup winner would be able to feature more regularly this season.
However, the managerial change at Monaco could lead to a different approach in midfield. Filipe Luis replaced Sebastien Pocognoli, and the club may now look to reorganise its options in central midfield as part of the new manager’s plans.
Pogba’s return to professional football came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his original suspension. He had initially been provisionally banned for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in February 2024.
The positive test followed a doping control carried out in August 2023. Pogba said the result was the consequence of a mistake and maintained that he had been given a supplement without knowing it contained a prohibited substance.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the ban to 18 months, allowing Pogba to resume his career in March 2025. He subsequently joined Monaco last summer, having been permitted to return to professional football.
Pogba, who was part of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup, had signed an agreement intended to keep him at Monaco until the end of the forthcoming season. That arrangement now appears likely to end early, although the discussions have not yet been formally confirmed by the club.
The 2018 World Cup winner’s time at Monaco has therefore been shaped by both his return from suspension and injury problems during his first season. With negotiations over a contract termination in progress and a new manager in charge, Pogba is expected to move on from the Ligue 1 side.
