Juventus are not planning to bring Paul Pogba back into their squad this season despite his optimism over a return.
The former Manchester United star opened up on a wide range of subjects in a recent interview with Sky Sports, as he aims to make a comeback to football following a reduction on his ban for failing a doping test in 2023.
After a lengthy battle, the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted Pogba’s explanation of his ingestion of a banned substance as not intentional.
His four-year suspension was subsequently cut to 18 months, effective from September 2023, meaning he could be eligible for a competitive return in March 2025.
This fresh update had apparently given the France international a renewed chance in Turin as he set out his first objective of returning to club action.
“My mission is clear. I would love to be back on the pitch! Any pitch. First with Juventus, I want to start training again with my teammates,” he said.
However, that plan could be blocked by the Serie A giants, who have updated their squad in his absence.
What have Juventus said about Paul Pogba’s return?
As the story continues to evolve, Pogba’s chances of a comeback appear to have been blocked following comments from club director Cristiano Giuntoli.
Giuntoli was asked about the latest on the 31-year-old’s place at the club, and he told an interview with DAZN (via ESPN) that the door is closed on Pogba.
“Our position is clear. Pogba has been a great player, he has been out for a long time and last year we were forced to invest in other players,” he said.
“So now, the squad is complete as it is.”
Paul Pogba’s Juventus contract, transfer value
Giuntoli’s remarks appear to confirm Juventus are not planning to absorb Pogba back into their squad in 2025 with the club already signing players to cover the terms of his initial ban.
His current deal in Italy expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, with his transfer value unknown due to a lack of match action, and he could potentially be released as a free agent.