Pogba’s Juve career in doubt after director says squad ‘complete’

Paul Pogba’s career at Juventus appeared to be over on Saturday after the Serie A club’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, said their squad was complete ahead of the French midfielder’s return from a doping ban.

France’s Pogba can play again in March, as his four-year suspension was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport a fortnight ago.

However, Giuntoli all but confirmed that Pogba had no future in Turin, stating there was no room for the 31-year-old in the current squad.

“Our position is very clear. Paul was a great player, but he’s been out of action for a long time,” Giuntoli told DAZN before Saturday’s home fixture against Lazio.

“Last year and this year, we were forced to invest in other players, and right now, the squad is complete.”

Pogba

Pogba told Gazzetta dello Sport during a round of interviews—apparently not authorised by Juventus—on Wednesday that he wanted to stay, even if it meant reducing his substantial salary.

Since being provisionally suspended in September last year, Pogba has been on a minimum wage of just over €2,000 a month.

However, his contract, which expires in June 2026, is reportedly worth €8 million a year, with a potential further €2 million in bonuses.

Italian media have reported that Juventus are seeking to terminate Pogba’s contract after overhauling the squad for new coach Thiago Motta.

Juventus, who posted losses of nearly €200 million for last season, kicked off against Lazio in fourth place in Serie A, three points behind league leaders Napoli.

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