This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io
One of the big stories of the last couple of days is that Paul Pogba is set to return to professional football. Pogba had been given a four-year drug ban, but he was always training and keeping himself fit because he felt, in private, that he was sure the ban would be reduced.
And now we can confirm that Pogba’s ban is going to be reduced, from four years to eighteen months. This means that, having already served one year of the ban, from January he can resume training with Juventus; from March, he can begin playing games again, at club level, or for his national team.
However, the internal feeling at Juventus is that they are convinced of their decision to part ways with Pogba. Juve were waiting for an official statement on Pogba’s ban, and now that it’s here, their feeling remains to reach an agreement with Pogba to terminate his contract.
So, Pogba could be available on a free transfer from January, or from March when he can start playing in games again. His contract is expected to be terminated, this is Juventus’ intention, and then let’s just see how these conversations will go and what kind of options Pogba will have on the market.
Obviously we wish Pogba all the best as he’s closer to returning to football – an important moment in his career and his life, but let’s keep an eye on this situation as there’s a strong possibility that he will be available on the market as a free agent very soon.
It’s a big weekend ahead for Manchester United. Remember what I told you at the start of the week – it’s a crucial week for Erik ten Hag, whose side drew 3-3 with Porto in midweek. It was a strange game, with Man United going 2-0 up, then 3-2 down, but fighting back for the draw, so a confusing result.
Now today they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League and it could be a big one for the future of Ten Hag. INEOS want to see a reaction – Sir Jim Ratcliffe has…
..
