Reported Simon Daniel Yusuph l journalist at wengglobal
MONACO, France — AS Monaco are reportedly preparing to part ways with Paul Pogba before the end of his two-year contract, bringing growing uncertainty to the former France international’s attempt to rebuild his career after a prolonged absence from competitive football.
Reports from France indicate that Monaco’s decision to seek an early termination was already under consideration before Pogba suffered another injury during pre-season training in England on Tuesday, August 11. The latest setback has further complicated the 33-year-old midfielder’s prospects of continuing with the Ligue 1 club.
According to reports attributed to French outlet Nice-Matin, Monaco’s management had informed Pogba several weeks ago that it intended to terminate his contract and had given him permission to explore other opportunities. The club is reportedly seeking a financial agreement with the player over the remaining period of his contract, with Monaco expected to settle outstanding salary commitments if an agreement is reached. (Reddit)
The development represents another difficult chapter in a comeback that was initially presented as an opportunity for one of France’s most decorated midfielders to restore his career at home.
Monaco-Pogba relationship reaches uncertain end
Pogba joined Monaco in June 2025 after reaching an agreement on a two-year contract running until June 30, 2027. The move marked his return to French professional football after spells with Manchester United and Juventus and followed the reduction of his doping suspension from four years to 18 months. Monaco officially announced the signing as an important addition to its squad and an opportunity for the 2018 World Cup winner to restart his career. (AS Monaco)
The expectations surrounding the move were significant. Pogba had not played competitive football since September 2023 and was seeking regular football after his suspension. Monaco, meanwhile, offered him the opportunity to return to one of Europe’s leading domestic leagues while remaining close to his native France.
The comeback, however, never developed as either side had hoped.
During the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign, Pogba made only six appearances and accumulated 115 minutes of playing time. He started just one match and was unable to establish himself as a regular member of the Monaco midfield because of repeated fitness problems. The Guardian, reviewing the Ligue 1 season, described his campaign as a major disappointment, noting his limited appearances and lack of goals or assists. (The Guardian)
His restricted involvement also undermined his hopes of earning a place in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Pogba had previously spoken about his desire to regain his highest level and eventually return to the national team, but his lack of sustained playing time made that ambition increasingly difficult. (Goal)
Monaco had already warned of possible departure
The possibility of Pogba leaving Monaco did not emerge suddenly.
In July, Monaco general manager Thiago Scuro publicly acknowledged that the club was considering the midfielder’s future. Scuro said Monaco had considerable respect for Pogba but acknowledged that the expectations surrounding his first season had not been fulfilled.
French football publication L’Équipe reported that Monaco had effectively made the summer preparation period an important assessment period for Pogba, with his physical condition and ability to contribute expected to influence the club’s decision. (L’Équipe)
Reports at the time also highlighted Monaco’s need to manage its wage bill. The club was operating under financial oversight from France’s National Directorate of Management Control, known as the DNCG, adding pressure on Monaco to manage its squad and salary commitments carefully. (Akses.co.id)
That financial context is important because Pogba’s limited availability meant Monaco was carrying the cost of a high-profile player without receiving the expected contribution on the pitch.
Scuro nevertheless maintained a measured tone, stressing the club’s respect for Pogba rather than publicly portraying the situation as a disciplinary or personal dispute. The decision was presented largely as a sporting and strategic assessment of what would be best for both parties.
Latest injury adds to Pogba’s difficulties
The latest development came on August 11 when Pogba reportedly suffered a fresh injury to his left thigh during a training session while Monaco were preparing in England.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Pogba felt discomfort during a small-sided training game and was subsequently forced to stop. The incident came only days after he had returned to group training following another injury setback. He had reportedly managed only 45 minutes of football during Monaco’s pre-season preparations before the latest problem. (Diario AS)
The timing is particularly significant because Monaco had been using the summer period to assess whether Pogba could return to sufficient fitness to contribute consistently during the new campaign.
Rather than being the sole cause of the reported contract discussions, the latest injury appears to have reinforced concerns that had already existed within the club.
Nice-Matin reports, as cited by several outlets, that Monaco’s intention to end the relationship predates the new injury. This distinction is important because it indicates that the decision was reportedly connected to a broader assessment of Pogba’s availability and future value rather than being an immediate reaction to Tuesday’s injury alone. (Reddit)
A complicated comeback
Pogba’s Monaco chapter follows one of the most difficult periods of his professional career.
After returning to Juventus in 2022, he was sidelined by injuries before testing positive for DHEA in 2023. His initial four-year suspension was subsequently reduced to 18 months on appeal, allowing him to resume competitive football in 2025. Juventus and Pogba later agreed to terminate his contract, leaving the midfielder available to pursue a new club.
Monaco subsequently offered him a route back into top-level football.
The move was widely viewed as a chance for the former Manchester United and Juventus star to restore his reputation and demonstrate that he could still perform at the highest level. Pogba had previously been one of the most influential midfielders in European football and played a major role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.
His career has also included major achievements at club level, particularly during his first spell at Juventus and his return to Manchester United. Monaco’s official announcement highlighted his four Serie A titles with Juventus, his Europa League success with Manchester United and his international achievements with France. (AS Monaco)
But injuries, suspension and limited match fitness have made sustained football increasingly difficult.
What next for Pogba?
If Monaco and Pogba reach an agreement to terminate the contract, the midfielder would become a free agent and could assess opportunities elsewhere.
The immediate challenge, however, will be establishing whether Pogba can regain sufficient fitness to play regularly. At 33, the priority for the World Cup winner is likely to be finding an environment that allows him to rebuild match sharpness rather than simply securing another high-profile transfer.
Any potential move would also depend heavily on the outcome of his latest injury assessment and the terms negotiated with Monaco.
For Pogba, the end of his Monaco spell would be a disappointment after arriving with ambitions of returning to regular Ligue 1 football and potentially earning another opportunity with France. For Monaco, an early separation could allow the club to redirect squad resources toward players capable of providing greater availability and continuity.
There is, however, no indication that the reported termination means Pogba has decided to retire from professional football. Until the contractual process is formally completed and his next destination becomes known, his playing future remains open.
The reported Monaco exit therefore represents another crossroads in a career that has already experienced extraordinary highs and difficult setbacks. Whether Pogba can produce another chapter will depend less on his past reputation than on his ability to overcome the fitness problems that have repeatedly interrupted his return.
For now, the most immediate issue is the reported negotiations between the player and Monaco, with the French club seeking a financial agreement that could bring their partnership to an early conclusion.
Sources and Further Reading
- Nice-Matin — Original French reporting cited in subsequent coverage concerning Monaco’s reported intention to terminate Pogba’s contract.
- AS Monaco Official Website — Monaco’s official announcement of Pogba’s 2025 signing and contract through June 2027. (AS Monaco)
- The Guardian — Coverage of Pogba’s Monaco move and assessment of his injury-hit 2025-26 season. (The Guardian)
- L’Équipe — Reporting on Monaco’s assessment of Pogba’s future and his limited 2025-26 involvement. (L’Équipe)
- Goal.com — Reporting on Monaco’s consideration of Pogba’s future and his six appearances during the previous season. (Goal)
- Reuters — Independent reporting on developments surrounding AS Monaco and Ligue 1. (Reuters)
- Sky Sports — Background coverage of Pogba’s career and return to football. (YouTube)
