Paul Pogba's future decided? Ex-Man Utd star shares cryptic update amid search for new club as doping ban nears its end

In February, the Frenchman received a huge four-year ban after failing multiple doping tests, and his future has been uncertain ever since. Now the 31-year-old's return to football looks imminent, and a recent Instagram post by Pogba himself contained a series of cryptic emojis that potentially hinted that his footballing future has been decided.

instagram/paulpogba

After Pogba appealed the original ban, he successfully got it reduced to 18 months after a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Their official statement read: "Mr Pogba’s ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida." As a result, the term was reduced and he'll be cleared to play again in March 2025; however, it's unclear which clubs are interested in signing him.

Several clubs have been linked with Pogba since it was revealed he would be returning to football in early 2025. A potential Manchester United reunion has been discussed, although ex-Red Devils star Andrew Cole said that it would be a big gamble to go for a player he describes as still being a "baby". Meanwhile, the 2018 World Cup winner is also reportedly interested in a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Wherever Pogba ends up after his 18-month absence, getting back up to full fitness will be a serious challenge. With Pogba currently a free agent after being released from his contract at Juventus, some pundits view him as a gamble not worth taking, with former Red Devils defender Wes Brown saying: “It will take him some time to get back to the levels we’ve seen him produce before... Someone will definitely pick him up, no doubt about it, but I can't see it's going to be Man United if I'm being honest.”