By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Italy , August 19, 2026 - Paul Pogba is officially a free agent after AS Monaco and the French midfielder mutually agreed to terminate his contract, bringing an early end to a comeback that never reached the heights either party had hoped for.
Monaco confirmed the separation on Wednesday, August 19, with Pogba's contract originally due to run until June 2027. The decision follows a difficult first season in the Principality, during which injuries severely restricted the former Manchester United and Juventus star's involvement.
The 33-year-old joined Monaco in June 2025 on a two-year contract, hoping to rebuild his career after an 18-month doping suspension and a lengthy period away from competitive football. The move marked his return to France and represented an opportunity to revive his career at the highest level.
Instead, persistent fitness problems prevented him from establishing himself in Monaco's midfield.
Pogba managed just six competitive appearances for Monaco, making only one start and accumulating approximately 115 minutes of football. His long-awaited competitive debut came in November 2025, more than two years after his previous professional appearance.
The midfielder subsequently struggled to maintain fitness, with a recent thigh injury adding to his problems.
Monaco had already been considering an early separation before the latest injury setback. Reports from Nice-Matin and Le Parisien revealed earlier this month that the club had informed Pogba's representatives of its desire to reach a mutual termination, allowing the player to find another club before the transfer window closed.
That process has now been completed.
Pogba thanks Monaco#
Despite the disappointing outcome, Pogba expressed gratitude for the opportunity Monaco gave him.
The club's chief executive, Thiago Scuro, also praised Pogba's professionalism and attitude during his time at the club, acknowledging that the ambitious objectives established when he arrived had not been fully achieved.
For Monaco, the decision allows the club to move forward without a high-profile player who was unable to contribute consistently.
For Pogba, however, the bigger question is what comes next.
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MLS and Saudi Arabia options emerge#
Pogba is now free to negotiate with other clubs, and there is already reported interest from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League.
Reports in recent days have linked several MLS clubs with the World Cup winner, while Saudi Arabian sides have also monitored his situation.
At this stage, however, there is no confirmed agreement with either an MLS or Saudi club. Pogba and his representatives are expected to assess the available options before making a decision on the next chapter of his career.
A move to the United States could offer Pogba an opportunity to play regularly in a less demanding schedule, while Saudi Arabia could present a lucrative alternative.
Pogba's latest departure represents another painful setback for a player whose career was once heading toward the very top of world football.
The 2018 World Cup winner enjoyed extraordinary success with Juventus and Manchester United and became one of the world's most recognisable midfielders.
But injuries, his doping suspension and subsequent fitness problems have dramatically interrupted his career.
Now, as a free agent, Pogba faces another crucial decision.
Will he attempt one more comeback in MLS, Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, or has football's most unpredictable chapter reached its final pages?
For now, one thing is certain: Paul Pogba is no longer an AS Monaco player and is officially available as a free agent.