Paul Pogba’s Next Club: Odds and Betting Options

The Swan Song of the Octopus.

Controversial Paul Pogba has had his doping suspension reduced, and he may return to the pitch as early as this spring. While his current club, Juventus, appears to distance themselves from him, interested clubs around the globe are lining up. In this review, we’ll explore potential suitors, reflect on Pogba's tumultuous career path, and offer the best betting options for his next destination.

Paul Pogba’s Next Club

Europe – Difficult but Prestigious

Who could argue that Europe is the best option, given the ego and ambitions of the French footballer? Though Pogba has already won nearly everything possible—except the Champions League and the European Championship—he likely wants to leave the game with a bang. At 31, Pogba has about 2-3 years left at the top level. By 33 to 35, 80% of midfielders in Europe typically retire.

Olympique Marseille emerges as a top option. The club currently holds third place in Ligue 1, almost securing European competition next season. If there’s any place in Europe where Pogba could avoid the backlash he’s faced, it’s his home country. Additionally, he’d reunite with Mason Greenwood, his former Manchester United teammate, whom Pogba once described as a better finisher than Benzema, Lukaku, or Mbappé.

The first reports of Marseille’s interest came from Le10sport, followed by broader coverage in the French press. However, the transfer would require the approval of the star coach Roberto De Zerbi. Known for his non-confrontational nature, De Zerbi's temperament could play a key role—especially considering Pogba’s infamous fallout with José Mourinho, which many believe marked the beginning of the midfielder’s decline. Pogba recently revisited that feud, taking a jab at Mourinho.

There are two obvious challenges:  

1. Salary: Before his ban, Pogba earned 8 million euros annually at Juventus. While Marseille is second only to PSG in Ligue 1 spending, their average player salaries are four times lower. 

2. “Cultural” Barrier: In the past 30 years, French stars have never returned home to end their careers. Legends like Zidane, Henry, and Ribéry all promised to come back but never fulfilled those pledges.  

Juventus recently announced their intention to terminate Pogba’s contract, which has caused bookmakers to offer odds of 5/1 on potential moves. However, this seems underestimated. Even Real Madrid—rumored to be a destination thanks to Pogba’s relationship with Kylian Mbappé—may have better chances. That said, Pogba, known as the “Octopus” after the famous oracle mollusk, might struggle to meet the demands of Madrid's notoriously critical fanbase.

Real Madrid Next Pogba’s Club

Bonus £40

Bet

13/1

North America – Compromise Option

Let's be realistic. Even after the reduction of Pogba's ban, it will still last for a year and a half. That's a long time. Over the past fifty years, the number of players who have successfully returned to the top level in Europe after a long suspension can be counted on one hand. This represents about 10 percent of the total number of punished players.

Stars Who Successfully Overcame Their Bans

In such circumstances, Pogba might lean toward one of the options in the United States. First, he won't have to dive headfirst into the season. The player is allowed to train with his future team starting in January. It’s unlikely he’ll be in optimal shape by March, when European leagues are in full swing. Meanwhile, the regular season in North America begins in February, giving him the opportunity to have a proper preseason and miss only a month.

The odds for Atlanta are 3/1, but it seems that only one factor supports this club: one of Pogba’s brothers, Florentin, already plays there. A move to Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi looks just as questionable. Interestingly, Pogba already has a home there, but we know that in Messi's house, he recognizes only one owner and does not tolerate open competition.

Inter Miami Next Pogba’s Club

Bonus £40

Bet

9/1

Now, let’s move to real insights. Italian rumor maestro Nicolo Schira has broken his silence. With over a quarter of a million followers on X (formerly Twitter), he has previously been the one to link Lukaku to Inter. According to his sources, Los Angeles FC is seriously targeting Pogba. The player has already spoken with their goalkeeper and his friend Hugo Lloris to gauge the situation. While bookmakers have yet to release odds on LAFC, it's worth keeping an eye on.

Saudi Arabia – Last Payday Before Retirement

If Europe demands a high level of performance from Pogba, and the U.S. requires a moderate level of play along with media presence, Saudi Arabia, with all due respect, is purely a marketing story. Let's assume Pogba, upon returning to training, realizes he can't keep up—especially considering he wasn't exactly shining before his ban. Why else would he stay in football? Only for the money. And no matter what MLS or European clubs offer, the Saudis will respond, “we’ll offer more.”

Pogba's Statistics for the 2021/22 Season

Over the last 10 years, MLS has twice as many status players from European championships compared to the Saudi League. However, in the last five years, the percentage has leveled out to about 50/50. Currently, bookmakers favor Al-Hilal with odds of 3/1, but it seems this is mainly due to the club's recent victory in the battle for Neymar. A more intriguing option is Al-Nassr. Some sports bloggers have reported that Cristiano Ronaldo, who knows Pogba from Manchester United, is ready to act as a mediator in bringing him to the team.

Al Nassr Next Pogba’s Club

Bonus £40

Bet

7/1

Conclusion

Pogba was suspended in August 2023 after repeatedly exceeding testosterone levels in his blood. He appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and as a result, his ban was reduced from four years to just one and a half years.

By signing Pogba, any team is essentially taking a gamble. It's unlikely that European clubs would take such a risk. From Pogba's perspective, MLS seems to be the optimal choice. It offers family stability, a home, and even a potential opportunity to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Recently, Pogba appeared in the French comedy "4 Zeros," which raises the possibility that he might transition into acting. If that was the case, a move to the U.S. would certainly seem more promising. Ultimately, if Pogba was to think pragmatically, heading to the States makes the most sense. However, we hope he follows his heart and takes a chance in Europe, as his presence would undoubtedly enrich the football scene on the Old Continent.