Paul Pogba's return to top-level football has fallen short of expectations. The French midfielder has managed just 30 official minutes since being cleared to play after serving his doping suspension.
What happened?
Pogba signed for AS Monaco in June 2027, viewing the move as a chance to revive his career in Ligue 1. However, the reality has been complicated, with recurring fitness issues preventing him from training consistently.
Why it matters for Paul Pogba
The lack of progress has forced the club to consider a drastic option: early contract termination. Pogba was hoping to build continuity and return to the France national team, but his future is once again clouded by uncertainty.
What comes next?
AS Monaco are now seriously evaluating the possibility of parting ways with Pogba due to his minimal sporting impact. The midfielder's last appearance came almost two months ago, in a league match against Brest, and he has not been available since.
Pogba's situation has also taken a personal toll, with the midfielder struggling to regain the physical rhythm required at elite level. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a series of recurring fitness issues have prevented him from training consistently.
The club's coaching staff and management are concerned about Pogba's minimal sporting impact, and sustaining a sporting project around a player who cannot stay fit or contribute on the pitch has become increasingly difficult to justify.
Pogba's future at AS Monaco is uncertain, with the club considering early contract termination. The midfielder's career is at risk of becoming another frustrating chapter, with just 30 minutes played and ongoing physical setbacks.
On 29 January 2026, it was reported that Pogba's future at Monaco is hanging by a thread. The French midfielder's contract is set to expire in June 2027, but the club may choose to terminate it early due to his lack of progress.
Pogba's doping suspension, which was initially four years, was reduced to March 2025 after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. However, the extended absence appears to be weighing heavily on his body, with the midfielder struggling to regain his physical rhythm.
The situation has raised concerns within the club, with the coaching staff and management questioning whether Pogba can still contribute to the team. The midfielder's future is uncertain, and it remains to be seen what will happen next.
Pogba's career has been marked by ups and downs, with the midfielder facing numerous challenges on and off the pitch. The French midfielder's future at AS Monaco is just one of the many uncertainties surrounding his career, with the midfielder's long-term prospects still unclear.