Paul Pogba, who could potentially join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, has received backing from former defender Federico Balzaretti, who believes Pogba “deserves a chance” despite his struggles at Juventus. After a challenging period with injuries and a reduced doping ban, Pogba’s future at Juventus looks uncertain, with the club in talks to terminate his contract. A move to Saudi Arabia could offer Pogba a fresh start away from the pressure of Europe’s top leagues.
Pogba Could Join Ronaldo at Al Nassr
Paul Pogba’s time at Juventus seems to be coming to an end, despite his recent four-year doping ban being reduced, which allows him to train in January and return by March. Even with this positive development, the Bianconeri are determined to part ways with the French midfielder. Under manager Thiago Motta, the team was built without considering Pogba, who has struggled with injuries and suspension since rejoining in 2022. This suggests Juventus is unwilling to take more risks on a player whose fitness and availability have been unreliable during his second stint in Turin.
Tuttojuve reports that Juventus is still considering ways to terminate Pogba’s contract. This move is viewed as a practical decision due to his recent struggles and frequent absences. While the reduction of his ban may seem like a chance for Pogba to restart his career at the club, Juventus is focused on the future, with Motta prioritizing a core group of players who are already aligned with his system and expectations.
Pogba’s pursuit of a new club has attracted attention from several teams. While Olympique Marseille and LA Galaxy were initially linked with the French midfielder, TuttoJuve reports that Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr has become a possible destination. Should Pogba join Al Nassr, he would reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a major change in his career as he moves away from Europe’s top leagues. The move could provide a less demanding environment for Pogba to focus on rebuilding his form.
In the end, Juventus is committed to avoiding further risks with Pogba’s fitness, and the midfielder must recognize that it’s time to move on and seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
‘Pogba deserves a chance’
Former Italy and Serie A defender Federico Balzaretti believes Paul Pogba “deserves a chance,” even if it’s not with Juventus.
The French midfielder is set to return to action in March 2025 after his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months.
However, a return to Juventus seems unlikely, as the Bianconeri are in discussions to end his contract.
In a recent interview with Tuttosport, former Juventus, Palermo, and Roma defender Balzaretti acknowledged that it would be “hard” to imagine Pogba wearing the Bianconeri shirt again.
“Thiago Motta doesn’t look at the name, and he tends to protect the team,” said the ex-Italy international.
“Everyone deserves a second chance. Pogba is a guy who’s had many issues and hasn’t played for a long time. It won’t be easy to return to his levels.
“He has great motivations and a big passion, but we must first understand how he feels physically. If Juventus think he’s not useful anymore, he deserves a chance in a strong team elsewhere.”
Pogba rejoined Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2022 but has played just 12 competitive matches since then.
He tested positive for doping following an away match at Udinese in August 2023. Pogba did not play in that game and remained on the bench throughout.
He has not trained with Juventus’ first team since September 2023, and his Allianz Stadium contract is scheduled to end in June 2026.
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