Paul Pogba’s attempt to rebuild his career at Monaco has suffered another major setback, with the French club in discussions with the midfielder over a mutual termination of his contract.
The talks have reportedly been ongoing for several weeks, meaning the potential split is not solely a consequence of Pogba’s latest injury. Monaco had hoped the former Manchester United star could regain his physical condition and become an important part of the squad, but that plan has failed to develop as expected.
The situation has become more serious after Pogba suffered a hamstring injury during Monaco’s pre-season tour at St George’s Park on Tuesday. There are concerns that the injury could keep the 33-year-old out for several months.
Pogba has made just six appearances for Monaco since joining the club on a two-year contract last summer, with all six coming in Ligue 1 last season.
Although he was present at Anfield when Monaco secured an impressive 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, he has not featured for the club during pre-season because of concerns over his fitness.
The latest hamstring problem now raises the possibility that Pogba may never play another competitive match for Monaco if the discussions over his contract reach a conclusion.
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro had already hinted last month that Pogba’s future at the club was uncertain.
Scuro told a news conference: “Maybe he’ll leave, yes, maybe he’ll stay here, yes.” He described Pogba’s situation as “a very complicated subject”, while stressing the respect the club has for the player.
The Monaco executive also praised Pogba’s attitude when he initially arrived, saying: “When he first arrived here he was very positive, he worked, he helped the young players.”
However, Scuro acknowledged that the project had not developed as Monaco had anticipated during the previous campaign.
Monaco had planned to assess Pogba’s physical and technical progress before deciding how much involvement he would have under the coaching staff.
Scuro explained that the club wanted to monitor his preparation from week to week and determine whether he had reached the level required to compete regularly.
He said: “With Paul, the relationship has always been open, transparent.”
Scuro also made it clear that if the player’s ambitions and the club’s objectives no longer aligned, both sides would have to find a solution.
“Performance will give all the answers we need,” he added.
The latest developments suggest that the question is now less about Pogba’s role in the team and more about whether his relationship with Monaco can continue at all.
Pogba’s arrival at Monaco was supposed to represent an opportunity to restart a career that had been severely disrupted by injuries, suspension and a prolonged absence from competitive football.
He had been a free agent since leaving Juventus in November 2024 and had not played competitive football for an extended period following his anti-doping case.
Pogba initially received a four-year ban in February 2024, a punishment that appeared capable of ending his professional career. After an appeal, however, the suspension was reduced to 18 months.
That reduction allowed him to resume training in January 2025 and eventually return to competitive action.
Pogba finally made his Monaco debut in November 2025, marking his first competitive appearance in 26 months.
The return was viewed as an important moment in his attempt to revive his career after one of the most difficult periods of his professional life.
But instead of becoming a regular presence in Monaco’s midfield, Pogba has managed only six appearances for the club.
His continuing fitness problems have now created another major obstacle at a stage of his career when consistent playing time is increasingly important.
Pogba came through the ranks at Manchester United before moving to Juventus, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most highly regarded young midfielders.
Manchester United eventually brought him back to Old Trafford in 2016 for £89.3 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history at the time.
He went on to make more than 200 appearances for United during his six-year spell back at the club, working under managers including José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Pogba left United for a second time in 2022 when his contract expired and returned to Juventus, but his second spell in Turin was ultimately overshadowed by injuries and his anti-doping suspension.
At 33, Pogba’s immediate priority is no longer simply securing another high-profile transfer. He must first demonstrate that his body can withstand the demands of regular professional football.
The latest hamstring injury could make that task significantly harder, particularly if it results in another extended period away from competitive action.
For Monaco, a mutual termination would bring an end to a project that was intended to help Pogba rediscover his best form.
For Pogba, meanwhile, another separation from a club would leave him facing one of the most uncertain moments of his career.
After overcoming an 18-month suspension and finally returning to competitive football, he now needs to overcome another physical setback if he is to secure a meaningful next chapter.
The central question is whether Pogba can restore his fitness and convince another club that the player who once dominated European midfield battles can still return to that level.
