Paul Pogba’s Monaco future is under the microscope as new head coach Filipe Luis prepares to decide whether the French midfielder stays for the 2026‑27 Ligue 1 season. The club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, warned on 15 July 2026 that a departure before the new campaign is a real possibility if Luis deems Pogba unfit to contribute.
Why is Paul Pogba’s situation critical now?
Pogba arrived at Monaco in June 2025 on a two‑year deal after serving a doping suspension. The club hoped his experience would lift the squad, but the 2025‑26 season delivered only six league appearances and a total of 115 minutes on the pitch. He missed the Champions League entirely and was omitted from the knockout‑stage squad, leaving his comeback chances thin.
What does Filipe Luis expect from Pogba?
Filipe Luis, appointed on a contract until June 2028, described Pogba as “a special player” in his first press conference. He said he will hold detailed talks in the coming days and then assess Pogba’s preparation week by week. Luis plans to monitor physical tests, technical drills, and overall attitude before granting any minutes. Scuro added that the club will give the midfielder a fair chance, but the final call rests with the coach.
How could a departure affect Monaco’s plans?
Monaco’s wage bill is currently capped, and Pogba’s salary sits near the top of the payroll. If Luis decides the midfielder cannot meet the required level, releasing him would free up funds for new signings and help balance the squad’s financial limits. Scuro hinted that the club respects Pogba as a person, yet the “project didn’t work well last season,” making a clean break a tempting option.
What are the next steps for Paul Pogba?
The next few weeks will be decisive. Luis will evaluate Pogba’s fitness during pre‑season training sessions, and the club will review his progress each week. Should the coach grant him playing time, Pogba could feature in early Ligue 1 fixtures and possibly earn a spot in the Champions League squad. If not, negotiations for a transfer or contract termination may begin before the league kicks off in August.
How does this fit into the broader Ligue 1 landscape?
Monaco’s decision comes as several Ligue 1 clubs tighten budgets ahead of the new season. A high‑profile player like Pogba represents both a marketing asset and a financial risk. How the club handles his situation could set a precedent for other teams juggling big wages with performance expectations.
Key fact: Pogba logged just 115 minutes across six league games in the 2025‑26 season, and Monaco excluded him from the Champions League knockout roster.
Key fact: Filipe Luis, appointed head coach for 2026‑27, will decide Pogba’s fate during a week‑by‑week assessment starting 15 July 2026.
Key fact: Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro confirmed the club may cut costs by letting Pogba go if the new coach deems him surplus to requirements.
Key fact: The midfielder’s contract runs until June 2027, leaving a year left if he stays beyond the upcoming season.
Key fact: Monaco’s wage cap forces tough choices on high‑earners like Pogba as the club reshapes its squad for the 2026‑27 campaign.