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Paul Pogba told he has ‘too much baggage’ as top Premier League move is ruled out - after Frenchman left a 'really bad smell' at Man Utd

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<p>The French midfielder, who is eligible to return to professional football in March 2025, is now at a crossroads as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-pogba-rumoured-visit-man-city-revealed-frenchman-prepares-join-new-club-after-doping-ban/blt9c831c7fdbe6e36b" target="_blank">seeks a club willing to take a chance </a>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.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.10bet.co.uk/sports" target="_blank"><em>10bet,</em></a> Hendrie highlighted why Pogba’s reentry into elite football will be fraught with challenges.</p><p>"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. </p><p>"I think someone will take a punt on him, but I <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-urged-acquire-paul-pogba-x-factor-two-year-contract-treble-hero-telling-ruben-amorim-world-cup-winner-better-what-we-have/blt3bb4800284919c7e" target="_blank">don’t think any of the top clubs in the Premier League</a> 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."</p>

WHAT LEE HENDRIE SAID

<p>Pogba’s absence from competitive football since September 2023 has added to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-pogba-future-decided-man-utd-update-new-club-doping-ban-end/blt475a0d50b38c33d8" target="_blank">concerns about his fitness and readiness to return</a>. 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.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>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.</p><p>Beyond the Premier League, Pogba has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/roberto-de-zerbi-paul-pogba-transfer-marseille-juventus-man-utd-star-doping-ban/bltebdd6befa3ce99fc" target="_blank">linked to Ligue 1 side Marseille</a>, 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.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR PAUL POGBA?

Paul Pogba told he has ‘too much baggage’ as top Premier League move is ruled out - after Frenchman left a 'really bad smell' at Man Utd | Goal.com

Ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba won&apos;t be signed by a top Premier League side as he has &quot;too much baggage&quot;, according to former Lee Hendrie.