Paul Pogba (32) is preparing to accept a salary reduction proposal to join AS Monaco without significant complaints.
The British media 'Tribuna' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Paul Pogba is willing to accept the salary reduction proposal for the transfer to AS Monaco."
Pogba was suspended for four years after testing positive for a banned substance (DHEA) in the Serie A opening match against Udinese in August 2023, and his contract with Juventus was terminated in November of the same year. He then appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which reduced his ban to 18 months, and he became eligible to participate in official matches starting in March this year.
Pogba still does not have a club. Given that he stated he would "carefully choose a project," it is interpreted that he has not actively moved in the market. He has stayed in Miami, training individually, and has been linked to several clubs, including Major League Soccer (MLS) DC United.
Earlier, on the 4th, French media 'Foot Mercato' and 'RMC Sport' reported that Pogba was recently proposed to AS Monaco. Currently without a contract, he is looking for a new challenge, and Monaco is one of the clubs that received the proposal from Pogba's side.
The proposed AS Monaco is a traditional powerhouse representing Ligue 1 and is recently looking to strengthen its midfield. It is also interesting that Pogba has never played in Ligue 1 since leaving France at Le Havre before his professional debut. In particular, although there were ongoing connections with Olympique Marseille, high wages have hindered progress.
Monaco is relatively financially capable, and analyses suggest that the internal assessment that experienced midfielders are needed considering the competition for Champions League qualifications has also influenced the decision.
Pogba himself has also expressed a strong desire to return. In April, he stated through his social media, "I trained alone, but I never gave up. I still have dreams about football." His last match was on September 3, 2023, against Empoli, but he expressed a realistic goal of wanting to return to the daily life of a professional football player, mentioning participation in the 2026 North American World Cup.
According to Tribuna on the 15th, negotiations between Pogba and AS Monaco have accelerated in recent days. Fabrice Hawkins noted that the negotiations are "progressing smoothly," but Monaco is maintaining a cautious attitude by thoroughly reviewing the overall conditions.
Tribuna reported that "Turning 32 this year, Pogba has made this transfer a top priority and is said to be prepared to accept a salary reduction to finalize the contract. After his contract was terminated due to a banned substance incident at Juventus, he has been seeking a foothold to restart his career. AS Monaco, which qualified for the UEFA Champions League next season, appears to be the ideal stage for Pogba's revival."
It was further revealed that "Pogba has already begun preparing to move with his family to the south of France. This highlights his strong will toward the transfer. He sees Monaco as the optimal choice while regaining his match sense and considering the possibility of rejoining the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup."
Meanwhile, Monaco remains cautious. Despite Pogba's will and progress in negotiations, the club is carefully considering his recent injury history and potential contribution to matches. Nevertheless, both sides maintain an optimistic atmosphere, and if the remaining conditions are smoothly arranged, Pogba is highly likely to be officially announced as Monaco's new face soon.
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