'Playing with Paul Pogba is a dream!' - Ansu Fati hopes to have 'great year' with new Monaco team-mate as both stars look to relaunch careers at Ligue 1 side

Fati has officially joined Monaco on loan from Barcelona with a €11 million (£9m/$13m) buy option, and wasted no time declaring his admiration for fellow new arrival Pogba, calling the Frenchman’s presence at the club “a dream.”

Both players arrive at Monaco hoping to reignite their careers: Fati endured another injury-hit year at Brighton and Barca, while Pogba hasn't played in nearly a year due to fitness and suspension issues. While, the later is still training individually, Fati was involved in Monaco’s session on Thursday and spoke glowingly about their new chapter together.

In his official unveiling at Monaco, Fati expressed excitement about teaming up with Paul Pogba, while speaking to the press, calling it a surreal moment given the midfielder's status in world football and among his peers at La Masia:"I've admired him since I was little. My friends' idol is Pogba. That was the case during his time at La Masia. I'm going to play with him, sharing the dressing room with him is a pleasure."

Fati also praised Pogba’s return to the spotlight after a long absence from the game due to injury and suspension, and expressed hope for the season ahead: "Everyone knows what a great player he is," insisted Ansu Fati. "I am very happy for him. The football world is also happy that he is back in action. He has been a great player in recent years for his clubs and his country. We hope to have a great year together."

This double swoop is a bold new direction for Monaco, blending high-risk, high-reward talent. Fati (22) and Pogba (31) both need a fresh platform after frustrating seasons, and Ligue 1 could be the stage to deliver it.

Fati struggled with injuries during his Brighton loan and managed only 11 appearances for Barca last season. Pogba, meanwhile, joins Monaco on a free transfer until 2027, having been released by Juventus. With Eric Dier also arriving, Monaco’s summer strategy looks like a savvy mix of experience and raw potential.

Fati has begun training and will soon be integrated into Monaco’s frontline, while Pogba continues personal gym work as he builds match fitness. The excitement around their partnership is growing, both within the club and across Ligue 1.

With manager Adi Hutter building a flexible, high-ceiling squad, Monaco are gambling on individual redemption fuelling collective success. Both players know this is a defining season, not just for their futures, but for Monaco’s hopes of breaking into Ligue 1’s top tier again.