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D.C. United own Paul Pogba's MLS rights, are reportedly engaged in contract negotiations with former Juventus, France star after return from doping ban

Major League Soccer

DC United

New York City FC

D.C. United own Paul Pogba's MLS rights, and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/28/dc-united-paul-pogba-contract-talks/" target="_self">have reportedly been engaged</a> in contract talks for "months" with the midfielder. A 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and former talisman for both Manchester United and Juventus, the 32-year-old is currently a free agent and is available to sign wherever he wishes.However, he has not played competitively for over 20 months after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that raises testosterone levels. Playing for Serie A side Juventus at the time, the Italian anti-doping agency banned Pogba for four years. Claiming he unknowingly took the substance, Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced his suspension to 18 months and he was cleared to play in March. Juventus and the 32-year-old agreed to a contract termination last November, making him a free agent.By owning Pogba's MLS rights, D.C. has the first right of negotiation with the Frenchman. As a result, no other MLS team can approach him about contract talks.According to the report, D.C. Chief Executive Jason Levien has had multiple conversations with Pogba's agent, and has met the 32-year-old at least once. D.C. and Pogba's representatives have exchanged contract proposals. Pogba, who owns a home in Miami, is also believed to be looking at playing opportunities abroad in Europe and the Middle East.“Jason is trying hard for Pogba,” an anonymous source who was not cleared to speak on the matter, told the Post. Adidas, a primary MLS sponsor who also signed Pogba to a 10-year $44M endorsement deal in 2016, is aware of the talks, a person added.A decision on his next destination is expected to be made in the near future. The Washington Post was the first to report talks between D.C. and Pogba.

WHAT HAPPENED?

To sign Pogba, D.C. United would need to use a Designated Player (DP) spot on the 32-year-old. The club is roster compliant for the start of the 2025 MLS season and has opted for the "Designated Player path model," which allows them to carry three DPs. Currently, two of those slots are filled: one by star forward and reigning Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke, and the other by midfielder Mateusz Klich. However, Klich was loaned to Atlanta United during the offseason, though he remains on D.C.'s books.
Adding Pogba would mark D.C.’s third major signing in recent years, following the arrivals of Benteke and former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.
D.C. United has started the MLS campaign with a 2-5-3 record, sitting on nine points and currently 13th in the Eastern Conference.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pogba was signed for a previous world-record fee of $119M by Manchester United in 2016. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he was voted the best young player of the tournament, and at the 2018 World Cup - where France claimed victory - Pogba scored against Croatia in the final.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 32-year-old, per the report, is expected to make a decision on where he signs next in the coming weeks. If he lands in MLS, it will be with D.C. unless another team trades for his rights, thereby allowing them to negotiate with him.D.C. report for Matchday 11 next weekend when they host Western Conference side Colorado Rapids.

WHAT NEXT FOR POGBA AND D.C.?

D.C. United own Paul Pogba's MLS rights, are reportedly engaged in contract negotiations with former Juventus, France star after return from doping ban | Goal.com

The midfielder is looking to return to the professional game, and D.C. are reportedly interested - but he has not played since September, 2023

D.C. United own Paul Pogba&apos;s MLS rights, are reportedly engaged in contract negotiations with former Juventus, France star after return from doping ban

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