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One of the big stories of the last few days is that Paul Pogba will return to professional football. Pogba had been given a four-year drugs ban but was always training and staying fit because he felt, privately, that he was sure the ban would be reduced.
And now we can confirm that Pogba’s ban will be reduced, from four years to eighteen months. This means that, having already served a year of suspension, he will be able to resume training with Juventus from January; from March, he can play again, at club or national team level.
However, the feeling inside Juventus is that he is convinced of his decision to part ways with Pogba. Juve were waiting for an official statement on Pogba’s ban, and now that it is here, their feeling remains to reach an agreement with Pogba to terminate his contract.
So Pogba could be available on a free transfer from January, or from March when he can play games again. It is planned to terminate his contract, this is the intention of Juventus, and then to see how these talks will go and what options Pogba will have in the market.
We obviously wish Pogba the best as he gets closer to returning to football, an important moment in his career and life, but let’s keep an eye on this situation as there is a strong possibility that he will available on the market as a free agent. very soon
A big weekend awaits for Manchester United. Remember what I told you at the start of the week: it’s a crucial week for Erik ten Hag, whose side drew 3-3 with Porto in midweek. It was a strange game, with Man United 2-0 up, then 3-2 down, but fighting for a draw, so a confusing result.
Now they face Aston Villa in the Premier League today and it could be a big one for Ten Hag’s future. INEOS wants to see a reaction: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken publicly to say he likes Ten Hag, but it’s not his decision. The reality is that they are discussing it internally, they want to see the reaction of the team today, they want to see results, and so today’s game could be very important for the future of the coach.
Internal conversations are ongoing, and the results will be important, but they also want to see the right reaction in the players’ eyes, body language and things like that. Let’s see how Villa’s game is going, see what INEOS thinks and also how key figures like Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox will decide to act on Ten Hag’s future.
Sticking with United, some fans have asked me about reports in the Swedish media linking the Red Devils with 18-year-old Hammarby talent Bazoumana Toure. However, I understand that nothing concrete is happening at this point, it’s just normal listening activity.
Touré is certainly a very interesting and promising talent, so obviously clubs are following him, but not just United – it’s more than ten clubs sending their scouts to follow him, so it’s just a case of clubs at the moment who control the player and it is too early to mention things about his future.
Antonio Rudiger gave an interesting interview talking about his favorite centre-backs, and had some kind words for the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Virgil van Dijk. Then, when asked which centre-back he would like to sign for Real Madrid, he immediately said Saliba.
This caused a bit of panic among some fans, but I can say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with Saliba and any other club. In the summer we had rumors about Saliba and PSG, and about Spanish clubs, but the reality is that he never considered leaving Arsenal. He extended his contract in the summer of 2023, and he’s still very happy with life at the club, it’s great for him there.
Saliba can see the ambition of coach Mikel Arteta, and he can see the importance he has in the project. His contract is still long, and there are no talks with any other club at the moment, so Rudiger’s appreciation is nothing to worry about, it is obvious that Saliba would have admirers from other big players as he is one of best centers in the world, but it is a compliment to the player, but nothing more than that. Saliba is very happy at Arsenal and they are very happy with him, so the intention is to continue together long-term.
It’s been a good start to the season from Chelsea after another busy summer, so what can we do? expect the blues in January? After so much work to change this squad and invest in young players, I have been asked by fans if I could be busy again for Chelsea when the window opens again in the winter.
For now, though, I’m not predicting January to be a busy month for Chelsea. There could be departures, as it remains the case that Ben Chilwell may leave, and it’s the same for Carney Chukwuemeka. But I don’t expect many other moves as they are very happy with the squad and the performances so far.
Let’s see, because in December they will evaluate and decide, but in terms of departures, I don’t expect many players to leave. The current feeling is very positive, so Chelsea are fully focused on the development of the current players.
Erling Haaland – Barcelona I’ve been linked with Manchester City’s star player in the Spanish press, but my honest feeling is that predicting what Barca will do now for the summer of 2025 would be completely made up. It will depend on the financial net play and how this season goes. It’s still early October. At the club, they are not working on these kinds of big deals for the summer of 2025 right now. Haaland is only focused on Man City, nothing concrete is going on, I can guarantee that.
Merlin Rohl – I have seen the stories about Liverpool’s interest in Freiburg’s Merlin Rohl, but at the moment I have no confirmation that Liverpool are working on such a deal. Liverpool’s focus is currently on different areas, but also for Rohl there are no concrete contacts ongoing at the moment. Richard Hughes has a fantastic knowledge of talent so I’m sure he’s overseeing a lot of players but that’s about it for now.
Matias Soule – It has been a difficult time for Matias Soule, who has been criticized in the Italian press while Roma’s results have not been what many would have expected. My feeling is that he needs time and I would be optimistic because he is a very good talent, with great potential and Roma invested a lot in him. There is no time to panic or mention other clubs, it is six or seven games – give the boy time to adapt, develop and show his skills. It’s been a tough start for Roma in general as they’ve already changed managers, not just Soule. I’m sure Roma still trust Matias long term.
