Paul Pogba’s career received a lifeline in October 2024 when his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. With his suspension ending in March 2025 and his Juventus contract terminated, the French midfielder is now a free agent—fueling speculation about a potential move to Barcelona.
The idea of Pogba in a Barça shirt has long intrigued fans, given his blend of physicality and creativity, traits that align with the club’s midfield philosophy. On paper, Pogba could be an exciting addition to a Barcelona side aiming to reassert itself domestically and in Europe. A short-term deal might appeal to both parties: Pogba could use the platform to revive his career, while Barça could benefit from his experience in a critical phase of the season.
However, the reality is far more complex, with significant hurdles standing in the way of such a move. The most immediate concern is Pogba’s match fitness. Having not played competitively since September 2023, he would require extensive time to regain sharpness. Thrusting him into high-stakes matches without proper preparation risks injury and could disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm. For a club chasing titles, integrating a player in such a precarious condition is a gamble they may not be willing to take.
Financially, Barcelona’s delicate economic situation adds another layer of difficulty. While Pogba would arrive on a free transfer, his wage demands—reflecting his status as a World Cup winner—could strain the club’s Financial Fair Play limitations. Any deal would need to be structured carefully, likely with performance-based incentives, but even then, the investment might not justify the potential reward. Timing further complicates matters. With the season nearing its climax, most teams, including Barcelona, are focused on fine-tuning rather than introducing new players. Pogba’s lack of recent game time makes him an unlikely candidate for immediate impact, and managers typically prefer stability over experimentation during decisive moments.
Squad dynamics also pose a challenge. Barcelona’s midfield is already built around young talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong. Adding Pogba could disrupt their development or create selection headaches, particularly if he struggles to adapt quickly. The club must weigh whether his presence would enhance the team or simply add unnecessary complexity. From Pogba’s perspective, a short stint at Barcelona could serve as a high-profile audition for his next long-term contract, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. However, the club is unlikely to prioritize individual rehabilitation over collective success. Unless Pogba can convincingly demonstrate his readiness to contribute immediately, the move remains a long shot. A more plausible scenario would see Barcelona monitor Pogba’s progress over the summer, potentially offering a trial or short-term deal ahead of the 2025–26 season. This would allow him to rebuild fitness and integrate smoothly, minimizing risk for both parties. For now, though, the prospect of Pogba joining Barcelona this season remains more fantasy than reality. While the narrative of a fallen star seeking redemption at Camp Nou is compelling, the practical obstacles make it improbable. Unless circumstances shift dramatically, Pogba’s next chapter is more likely to unfold elsewhere—leaving this potential transfer as little more than an intriguing “what if” in the footballing world.