Paul Pogba has become a free agent after AS Monaco and the midfielder agreed to end his contract ahead of schedule, closing the chapter on a spell that fell short of expectations for both the player and the club.
The Ligue 1 side announced the departure on Wednesday, August 19, despite Pogba’s deal originally running until June 2027. The decision comes after a campaign heavily affected by injuries, which limited the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder’s ability to make an impact.
Pogba arrived at Monaco in June 2025 on a two-year agreement as he looked to restart his career following an 18-month doping suspension and an extended absence from top-level football. The transfer brought the 33-year-old back to France and was viewed as an opportunity to relaunch his playing career.
However, recurring physical issues prevented him from securing a regular place in the team.
His time on the pitch proved extremely limited. Pogba featured in only six competitive matches for Monaco, started once and played approximately 115 minutes in total. His first competitive appearance for the club finally arrived in November 2025, more than two years after his previous professional outing.
Further injury setbacks followed, including a recent thigh problem that added to an already difficult period.
According to reports from Nice-Matin and Le Parisien earlier this month, Monaco had already begun exploring a separation before that latest injury issue. The reports stated that club officials informed Pogba’s representatives of their intention to seek a mutual termination, allowing the player to pursue a new opportunity before the transfer window closed.
That agreement has now been finalized.
Although the move did not develop as planned, Pogba thanked Monaco for the chance to continue his career at the club.
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro also spoke positively about the midfielder’s conduct and professionalism during his stay, while acknowledging that the goals set when Pogba joined had ultimately not been achieved.
The decision enables Monaco to continue without a marquee signing who was unable to play consistently because of fitness concerns.
Attention now turns to Pogba’s next destination.
As a free agent, the World Cup winner can discuss terms with interested clubs, and reports have already linked him with teams in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League.
Several MLS sides have reportedly shown interest in recent days, while clubs from Saudi Arabia have also been keeping track of his situation.
Despite that interest, no agreement has been confirmed with either an MLS team or a Saudi club. Pogba and his representatives are expected to review the options available before deciding on the next step in his career.
A switch to the United States could provide the midfielder with regular playing opportunities within a less demanding schedule. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, could offer a financially attractive option.
The latest development marks another difficult moment in a career that once appeared destined for the very highest level of the game.
Pogba enjoyed major success during his spells with Juventus and Manchester United and established himself as one of football’s most recognizable midfielders. Yet injuries, an 18-month doping suspension and ongoing fitness setbacks have repeatedly disrupted his progress.
Now available on the open market, the 2018 World Cup winner faces another major decision.
Whether his next move takes him to MLS, Saudi Arabia or elsewhere remains to be seen. What is certain is that Paul Pogba’s time at Monaco has come to an end, and he is once again a free agent.
