Juventus is making a decisive shift as the club moves beyond its once-prized midfielder, Paul Pogba. Despite being eligible to return in March following a reduced suspension for doping, the French international’s days in Turin appear numbered. Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli hinted that the team has already moved on.
Speaking ahead of Juventus’ clash with Lazio, Giuntoli explained the club’s position clearly: “Paul was a great player, but he’s been out of action for a long time. We’ve invested in other players, and our squad is complete.”
Pogba, who had been suspended since September last year, had his initial four-year ban reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. During his suspension, Pogba has been earning a drastically reduced salary of just over €2,000 per month, a far cry from his original contract worth €8 million annually, plus bonuses.
In a recent interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, Pogba expressed his desire to remain with Juventus, even offering to take a salary cut to stay with the club. However, his statements were reportedly not approved by Juventus and did little to change the club’s current outlook.
Juventus, operating under a new coach, Thiago Motta, is said to be contemplating a termination of Pogba’s contract, according to Italian media. The club is looking to minimize costs after posting significant financial losses last season, reportedly around €200 million. With Juventus currently fighting for a top spot in Serie A, it seems they are looking to build a future without Pogba, leaving the 31-year-old star’s next steps uncertain.
