Paul Pogba told to be 'realistic' about football return with Premier League move 'difficult' due to Man Utd past

Former Manchester United midfielder Pogba saw his 18-month doping ban end in March, and the midfielder is now raring to get back on the football field. The Frenchman has not featured in a professional match since September 2023, which means he nearly missed two full seasons. Amid speculation over his future, former England goalkeeper David James has issued a warning to the 32-year-old.

Speaking to Prime Casino, James said: "First things first, he was found guilty and he served his time, even if that's been reduced. He's paid his penance, and therefore, he should have a clean slate. However, with the attraction from the whole world with regard to the Premier League, I don't think the Premier League is the place where he's going to end up. I think English football would be difficult for him because he is synonymous with Manchester United in England, and to go to a Championship club, I think, would be very difficult for him."

James added, "I see a future for him, possibly in Europe. Which leagues? I'm not sure. The French League would be the natural fit. If he were to do well in the French League, I'm not suggesting PSG for one minute, that could be the pathway back to a position with a larger club. Again, because the Premier League is such a big league or the biggest league, there would be a lot of people in the Premier League who would say, let's see how he gets somewhere else. Age is against him in so many ways as well.

"I mean, I can't speak from any experience with regards to the circumstances he finds himself in or why he finds them. But yeah, the world is changing. The football world is changing. I wouldn't say the playing style is necessarily changing, but the quality of player is changing for sure. We're seeing a cluster of youngsters coming through, which is exciting, different levels of skill and therefore the Paul Pogba of old would struggle or be at least comparable with the youngsters coming through. So, as you say, with age against him, there's a part where you've got to be realistic about what your opportunities are."

For now, Pogba remains a free agent and is training on his own to keep himself fit for the upcoming season. Rumours of a move to MLS or even a return to United have been floated, but the 32-year-old has so far kept his cards close to his chest.