Paul Pogba is on the brink of re-entering professional football, but the football world is questioning whether moving to Olympique de Marseille (OM) is the right choice for him. After having his doping suspension reduced from four years to just eighteen months, he will officially be eligible to play again on March 8, 2025. This impending return raises significant discussion about the best path forward for the French midfielder.
Set to celebrate his 32nd birthday just one week later, Pogba has endured a long hiatus from competitive football. His last appearance on the pitch was on September 11, 2023, and he has faced continuous injury struggles since then. Despite the hurdles, the controversial 2018 World Cup winner remains committed to making his comeback. Training vigorously, Pogba's name has been linked with several clubs, including OM, Manchester United, and teams from Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
Interestingly, discussions between Pogba and OM during the previous winter transfer window did not yield any agreement. According to various reports, the club initially explored signing him but eventually opted to pursue other targets. There was considerable speculation surrounding Pogba's potential move to the club, with OM's sporting director Medhi Benatia hinting at the preference to wait until the end of the season to evaluate if Pogba can successfully re-establish his presence on the pitch.
Opinions vary on whether OM should pursue Pogba. Pundit Pierre Ménès has expressed skepticism about the midfielder's ability to adapt to the competitive demand at OM. "I do not share the enthusiasm for his joining Marseille. A player who has not played for almost three years poses a significant risk. I believe Paul would benefit from focusing on lower-profile leagues, such as the Saudi league or MLS, where he could gradually work his way back. Transitioning to a club with the stature of OM may simply be too much at this point," Ménès reasoned during his recent appearance on 'Face à Pierrot.'
Ménès's caution is underscored by the fact Pogba has faced serious competition from players like Ismaël Bennacer, Adrien Rabiot, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at OM, who are already established and performing well. The sporting director's earlier comments reflect the sentiment within the club, emphasizing the importance of assessing Pogba's condition and readiness before making any commitments.
The 2018 World Cup hero is currently seeking opportunities to resurrect his career, eyeing clubs participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup this summer. His options remain open as his reputation has taken considerable hits over recent seasons, particularly as he searches for consistency and fitness after several injury setbacks.
While varying perspectives abound on Pogba's options, there's consensus on one point: he must tread carefully as he attempts to reignite his once-stellar playing career. Investors and fans alike continue to speculate whether his foray back onto the football pitch will result in triumph or trouble, and whether OM would provide him the right environment to reignite his career.
Overall, Pogba’s future remains uncertain as he evaluates his next moves. With OM waiting, the next few months might shape not just his career but also how the club views its ambitions moving forward. Both Pogba and OM have much to reflect upon as they approach decisions with enormous potential consequences.