After months of uncertainty, Paul Pogba’s football career got a major lifeline in October 2024 when his four-year doping ban was reduced to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). His defense claimed the banned substance was ingested unintentionally, and the ruling has reopened doors for the French midfielder, whose suspension ends in March 2025. Now a free agent following his Juventus exit, Pogba is back on the market — and rumors are swirling, with Barcelona emerging as a potential destination.
The idea of Pogba in a Barça shirt has long fueled speculation. His mix of strength, skill, vision, and attacking instincts seems to complement Barcelona’s midfield ideals. With the ban behind him, talk has resurfaced about his agents trying to arrange a late-season move to Camp Nou — possibly to remind the world of his value and talent.
But the reality is more complicated.
Though Pogba is eligible to play, reintroducing a player into top-tier competition after 18 months away poses major challenges. His last competitive match was in September 2023. Even with personal training, there’s a big gap between fitness and match readiness. Adapting to team tactics and avoiding injuries are serious concerns.
Barcelona, meanwhile, must tread carefully. Financially, they’re still recovering, and although signing Pogba would come without a transfer fee, his salary expectations remain high. Adding him to the payroll now could strain their budget and run afoul of Financial Fair Play rules.
Timing also works against this move. With the season nearing its end and crucial matches underway, inserting Pogba into the squad would be risky. Coaches prefer to integrate new players during pre-season, when there’s more time to adjust physically and tactically.
Then there’s the matter of team dynamics. Barcelona’s midfield already features promising young stars like Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong. While Pogba’s experience could be useful, his arrival might disrupt the current balance or take minutes away from emerging talent.
His representatives may be hoping for a short-term deal that showcases his abilities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A few strong performances in a high-profile setting could revive his career and attract long-term interest.
But Barça isn’t a club known for sentimental decisions — they focus on winning. Taking on Pogba now would be a gamble, especially with concerns about his form and fitness. Any interest would likely come with stringent medical checks and performance expectations.
In short, while the thought of Pogba in Barcelona colors is exciting, a move this season is unlikely. A more realistic path would see the club tracking his recovery over the summer, possibly inviting him for pre-season training and reassessing from there. For now, the idea remains more fantasy than fact — a glimpse of what could be if all the pieces fell perfectly into place
