Paul Pogba's Juventus Exit: Contract Termination Shakes Up Serie A

Paul Pogba's time with Juventus has officially come to an end. The French midfielder, a World Cup winner in 2018, and the Italian club have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, effective November 30th, 2024. This surprising move sends ripples through the football world, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next destination and the implications for both Pogba and Juventus.

The Doping Ban and its Aftermath

Pogba's journey with Juventus has been fraught with challenges. In March 2024, he received a four-year doping ban after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This initially seemed to bring his career to a screeching halt. However, a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October reduced the ban to 18 months, meaning he could return to action in March 2025. The CAS ruling highlighted that the ingestion of the banned substance was unintentional, resulting from a mistakenly prescribed supplement by a Florida doctor.

Despite the reduced ban, the uncertainty surrounding his playing future and the financial burden he represented to Juventus likely contributed to the contract termination. While Pogba expressed his desire to return to the pitch and expressed gratitude for the support of the Juventus fans, the mutual agreement points to a complex scenario involving financial considerations and mutual benefit.

Pogba's Statement and Juventus' Response

In a heartfelt statement, Pogba thanked Juventus fans for their unwavering support, stating: “My time at Juventus has come to an end. It has been a privilege to pull on the shirt of the bianconeri and to share so many special moments together. I cherish the memories we made. They live on. Even in the most difficult moments over the past year, your support was crucial and I want to thank Juve fans around the world for their compassion.” He further expressed his excitement for the next chapter in his career. Juventus echoed similar sentiments, wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Financial Implications for Juventus

The contract termination holds significant financial implications for Juventus. Pogba’s initial deal was reported to be worth €8 million per season. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the mutual agreement to terminate his contract will save Juventus approximately €30 million gross. This figure accounts for the remaining minimum wage for the last twelve months, the annual €8 million salary, and the €2 million in bonuses for the remainder of the 2026 contract. The financial relief that this termination provides allows Juventus to focus on acquiring additional talent to strengthen the team in the upcoming transfer windows.

Pogba's Future: Where Will He Go?

With his contract terminated, Pogba becomes a free agent, opening up a wide range of possibilities for his future. Speculation immediately surrounded his next move, with various sources linking him to different clubs in several countries. While the ex-France international has not revealed his future plans, Inter Miami has been strongly linked with the midfielder. His experience, despite his recent struggles, is still very valuable to many clubs.

Potential Next Steps for Pogba

The options before Pogba are vast. His desire to play at the highest level suggests a move to a Champions League-caliber club would likely be at the top of his priorities. The Premier League, other top European leagues, and the MLS are all viable options. However, the financial implications of signing such a high-profile player will be a significant factor in the clubs who would be interested in signing him. The club he chooses to join will undoubtedly depend on factors such as competitive level, playing time, coaching style, financial packages, and personal preferences.

Juventus' January Transfer Plans

Juventus' decision to terminate Pogba's contract also appears to free up funds for other January transfer plans. Reports suggest Juventus is actively seeking to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window. Tuttosport reports that they are targeting two defenders and a striker to improve their performance and competitiveness in Serie A. The club may even consider sales of players such as Samuel Mbangula, as a means to free up even more funds.

Potential January Targets for Juventus

According to Tuttosport, Juventus have identified a trio of Premier League players as potential targets. These include Tottenham's Rudu Dragusin, Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior, and Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee. While signing all three players could prove challenging, the club may explore loan deals as a more feasible option, adding further intrigue to the January transfer window. Juventus’ current position in Serie A at sixth place after 12 rounds of fixtures further increases the necessity to strengthen the team in order to achieve their goals for the season.

The End of an Era, The Start of a New One

The end of Pogba's Juventus contract marks the closure of one chapter in his illustrious career. Despite the difficulties he’s faced, his undeniable talent remains. The termination of his contract will hopefully provide him with a fresh start, as he embarks on the next phase of his professional life. This move will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both Pogba and Juventus, shaping their futures in ways that will unfold in the coming months and years.