Why Paul Pogba still may have no future at Juventus despite doping ban reduction - explained

The French midfielder had his four-year ban for failing an anti-doping test reduced to just 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and could return to playing in March next year. Pogba is still only 31 and will believe he can still play at the highest level for a number of years despite his layoff. However, still contracted to Juventus, it remains to be seen if and when the Old Lady will reintegrate Pogba back into the fold.

There is no guarantee that Pogba will play for Juventus ever again. The Bianconeri were quick to snap up Pogba as a free agent from Manchester United in 2022 and the club hoped he would be able to recapture the levels he reached during his first spell at the club that catapulted him to stardom. However, poor performances and the failed drugs test have eroded trust and faith in the player from leaders within the club.

There is also no guarantee that Pogba would be good enough to play for Thiago Motta's revolutionised Juventus. The club forked out for a new-look midfield in the summer and will not be looking to drop Douglas Luiz, Teun Koopmeiners or Khephren Thuram on Pogba's return.

Finally, when Pogba returns he will become one of the highest paid players at the club. The midfielder has been earning 'minimum wage' during the duration of his ban, but will begin to earn his €9 million per year salary again following the ban's completion. Many at the club believe shedding Pogba's huge wage bill is a priority, according to Football Italia.

Pogba will be able to return to football from March 2025 but the question of where he will return remains. Calciomercato report that it is likely that Pogba and Juventus will try to find a resolution to terminate his deal that runs until 2026. Should the two parties reach an agreement, the midfielder will be able to pick his next club at will and Juventus will be free from the burden of having to pay an outcast millions in wages.

Pogba will be determined to prove to the world that he is still the same player that the world's biggest clubs were chasing and helped win France the World Cup. The player will be relieved that a possible early retirement has been ruled out and, with a post on X, suggested he is now focused on his comeback.