Paul Pogba, the French midfielder and 2018 World Cup winner, is now eligible to return to professional soccer after serving an 18-month doping ban. His availability has sparked significant transfer speculation, and Inter Miami CF has emerged as a strong contender for his signature.
Pogba’s reported interest in a move to Inter Miami is fuelled by several factors, including family considerations, a desire to play alongside Lionel Messi, and the club’s participation in the 2025 Club World Cup.
Paul Pogba has been spotted on multiple occasions at Inter Miami CF matches, further fueling speculation about a potential move. His family, including his wife Maria Zulay and their three children, currently reside in Miami. The children attend school in the city, indicating a significant commitment to their life in Miami. This family connection is a key factor influencing Pogba’s potential decision, significantly increasing the appeal of a transfer to Inter Miami.
The Beckham factor and the allure of playing with Messi
Pogba’s reported meeting with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is understood to have been significant. Their established relationship is considered to have played a considerable role in increasing the likelihood of Pogba moving to Miami.
Additionally, the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi, one of soccer’s greatest ever players, is also considered a major factor in influencing Pogba’s decision. The prospect of linking up with Messi is sure to be a compelling consideration, potentially accelerating the speed of any negotiations.
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Paul Pogba’s 18-month doping ban stemmed from a positive test for the non-endogenous testosterone metabolite DHEA in August 2023. While the initial sanction was four years, this was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), considering that the ingestion of the substance was unintentional and a result of a dietary supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida. This reduction in the ban’s length makes a move more plausible, providing a time frame that makes his availability more realistic.
