When news broke that Paul Pogba was considering a sensational return to Ligue 1 with Marseille, excitement surged among fans. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner had reportedly held advanced talks with the French club, eager to relaunch his career after his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months. The opportunity seemed perfect: a fresh challenge under highly-rated coach Roberto De Zerbi, and for Pogba, his first-ever stint in France’s top-flight despite being a native of the country.
However, the Frenchman’s move back to his homeland never materialized. Instead, Marseille quietly stepped away from the deal, leaving the 32-year-old still searching for his next club — and perhaps looking more seriously at a move to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in MLS.
In an interview with Cadena SER, the French club’s president Pablo Longoria confirmed that the club was indeed close to bringing Pogba to the Stade Velodrome, but ultimately chose not to. “We had conversations and we had this opportunity because the player had come onto the market,” said Longoria. Yet the real turning point came not from finances or dressing room politics, but from concerns about the timing of Pogba’s recovery.
“We decided not to do it this season because we thought that his recovery time could upset the balance of the squad. And that would raise expectations. We felt that it would be counterproductive,” he added.
It was a delicate decision. Les Olympiens, who currently sit second in Ligue 1 but remain well behind leaders PSG, could have benefitted from the experienced midfielder’s presence on paper. However, with the midfielder having not played a competitive match since September 2023, the fear was that integrating him mid-season would bring more pressure than benefit, especially as French regulations prevented Pogba from featuring in official matches until next season.
Pogba’s situation: What now?
Pogba, now 32 years old, is free to play again after serving his reduced ban. His contract with Juventus was mutually terminated in November, leaving him open to negotiate freely with clubs. He has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other European clubs, but the Herons have emerged as a frontrunner.
Interestingly, Pogba has already been residing in Miami, training privately while plotting his next move. According to RMC Sport, “Pogba is highly regarded at OM,” but with the door temporarily shut there, David Beckham’s Inter Miami appears to be leading the race for his signature. The MLS side, already boasting Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and other big names, could offer Pogba both the competitive environment and the glamorous lifestyle he craves.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Pogba was spotted at an Inter Miami match alongside Beckham during his suspension. His presence in Florida, combined with reports of an apartment he owns in the city, only strengthens the belief that MLS could be his next destination.
As the 2026 World Cup looms, the veteran’s next move is crucial. While he reportedly prioritizes staying in Europe to boost his chances of returning to the French national team, the lure of a high-profile MLS move might prove too tempting. Marseille might revisit the idea this summer, but for now, Pogba’s future is wide open.
