Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a bold move for Paul Pogba, but a significant obstacle stands in the way.

Manchester City are reportedly considering a surprising move for Paul Pogba, according to recent reports.

Pogba, now a free agent after parting ways with Juventus by mutual consent, is set to return to football in March following his doping ban being reduced to 18 months after an appeal in October. The ban stemmed from a positive test for DHEA, a compound that boosts hormone production, including testosterone.

The World Cup winner has expressed excitement about resuming his career and has been linked to several potential moves. On Saturday, Miguel Delaney of The Independent reported that City might be interested in signing him. With City struggling in midfield this season, having won just one of their last ten games, they see Pogba as a possible solution. Manager Pep Guardiola is a long-time admirer of the French midfielder, and Pogba himself previously admitted City had shown interest in him before his return to Juventus.

Despite this, Pogba, who had two spells at Manchester United and famously scored twice in a 3-2 comeback win against City at the Etihad, is reportedly hesitant to return to Manchester or even England.

After his £89 million transfer to United in 2016, Pogba made 226 appearances, winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League before leaving on a free transfer in 2022. His second stint at Juventus was plagued by injuries and his doping suspension, limiting him to just seven appearances. His last match was against Empoli in September 2023.

While Pogba has been linked to moves to the Saudi Pro League, he reportedly hopes to remain at the top level, considering opportunities in Serie A, La Liga, and the Bundesliga.

In a recent interview, former United striker Louis Saha mentioned rumors that Pogba might train with United in January and encouraged Premier League clubs to pursue him. Saha emphasized Pogba’s quality and suggested he might be open to financial compromises to play again, calling him an “amazing opportunity” for top clubs.