The football world exhaled in collective relief in October 2024 when Paul Pogba’s harsh four-year doping suspension was significantly reduced to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). His legal team successfully argued that the banned substance was ingested unintentionally, and the ruling breathed new life into the career of one of football’s most captivating figures. With his suspension officially ending in March 2025 and his contract with Juventus mutually terminated, Pogba is now a free agent and eligible to play again — sparking speculation about a possible move to Barcelona.
For years, the idea of Pogba joining Barcelona has ignited fan debate and media hype. The club has long admired his powerful, yet creative, midfield style — a blend of strength, technical brilliance, and visionary passing that fits the club’s historic approach. In theory, he’d be a strong addition to a Barça side looking to reclaim dominance in La Liga and Europe.
Now, free to play again, the idea of Pogba making a dramatic late-season move to Camp Nou — perhaps as a statement of his enduring quality — is generating buzz. Strategically, his camp may see a short-term deal as a valuable opportunity to reassert his relevance ahead of a longer-term contract elsewhere.
But turning that scenario into reality is far more complicated.
Despite his eligibility, Pogba hasn’t played a competitive match since September 2023. Slotting him into a high-pressure environment at the tail end of the 2024–2025 season poses major challenges. Even with personal training, the lack of match fitness, risk of injury, and time needed to adjust to new tactics make immediate integration a big gamble.
From Barcelona’s standpoint, signing Pogba right now would carry significant financial and sporting risks. The club’s economic situation, although better than in recent years, still requires caution. While no transfer fee is needed, Pogba’s wages — reflecting his pedigree as a World Cup winner — would be substantial. Any short-term deal would need to comply with tight Financial Fair Play rules.
Timing is another major obstacle. March 2025 leaves little of the season remaining, and most teams — including Barça — are in critical phases of league and European campaigns. Coaches generally avoid introducing players recovering from long absences into such intense periods without the benefit of a pre-season.
There’s also the issue of squad dynamics. Barcelona’s midfield is built around emerging stars like Pedri, Gavi (when fit), and Frenkie de Jong. Adding Pogba could complicate the balance, potentially limiting the development or minutes of these core players — something the club may be hesitant to risk for a short-term experiment.
Pogba’s camp, however, may see this differently. A short stint at Barcelona — even with limited appearances — could act as a showcase to reignite his market value and secure a long-term move, particularly with the 2026 World Cup approaching. It would also send a message to clubs and national selectors that Pogba is back and ready to perform.
Still, Barcelona is unlikely to be swayed by sentiment or player narratives. The club is focused on results, not rehabilitation projects. Without strong guarantees that Pogba could deliver an immediate impact without compromising squad health or chemistry, the risks may outweigh the benefits.
Medical evaluations, if the club were to consider the move, would be rigorous — far beyond typical transfer protocol. With so much uncertainty surrounding Pogba’s physical readiness, such a signing would be among the boldest moves of the season.
The more realistic scenario? If Barcelona is genuinely interested, they may observe his progress over the summer. A pre-season assessment or trial in July could offer a safer route, allowing him to regain match sharpness and properly integrate into the system. That path would better align with the club’s long-term planning.
In short, while the idea of Pogba in a Barcelona shirt this season captures the imagination, it’s far from likely. It remains more of a compelling “what if” — the story of a fallen star seeking one final stage on which to remind the world of his brilliance.
