Paul Pogba won't be signed by a top Premier League side as he has "too much baggage", according to former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie.
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Pogba's doping ban reducedMidfielder remains a free agentPremier League transfer ruled outFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The French midfielder, who is eligible to return to professional football in March 2025, is now at a crossroads as he seeks a club willing to take a chance on him. However, his future in the Premier League appears bleak, with former Villa player Lee Hendrie asserting that top English clubs will steer clear of Pogba due to his reputation for off-field distractions.
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In an interview with Hendrie highlighted why Pogba’s reentry into elite football will be fraught with challenges.
"There's no doubt that Paul Pogba’s always had a talent, hasn't he? I think the flip side of that is what comes with that talent," he said. "It’s the off-the-field situations that he finds himself in. He is a very outspoken person with the way he goes about his business. When he was at United, I felt that they had to get him out of the club. I felt that there was a really bad smell when he was there because of the way he was – the vibes around the dressing room and the football club were not good. I can't see any of the top clubs going near him to be honest.
"I think someone will take a punt on him, but I don’t think any of the top clubs in the Premier League would take him because, regardless of the talent that he has, there is too much baggage that comes with him. So many clubs look at a player's personality and how they will fit into the environment of a club before signing them. They don’t want to risk bringing in a disruptive personality."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Pogba’s absence from competitive football since September 2023 has added to concerns about his fitness and readiness to return. While he recently sparked speculation about his next move through cryptic emojis on Instagram, no concrete plans have been confirmed. Hence, despite his pedigree as a World Cup winner and a former marquee player for Manchester United and Juventus, Pogba must first regain fitness and establish himself at a club willing to support his rehabilitation before his official return to the pitch.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PAUL POGBA?
While Pogba’s history in the Premier League makes a return to United or another English club seem appealing on paper, the reality is less promising. The midfielder’s tumultuous time at Old Trafford has left a lingering stigma, with critics pointing to his outspoken nature and struggles to consistently deliver on the pitch.
Beyond the Premier League, Pogba has been linked to Ligue 1 side Marseille, where his familiarity with French football could provide a pathway to a fresh start. Teams in Major League Soccer have also reportedly expressed interest, offering Pogba the opportunity to rebuild his career in a less intense environment.