Paul Pogba's Next Move: Waiting for Saudi Gold or a Second Chance in Europe?

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The Wait Is Real

Let’s cut through the noise: Paul Pogba isn’t rushing. At 32, fresh off an 18-month ban reduced from four years, he’s technically free to play—but no club has snapped him up yet. Not even Monaco, who’ve been talking to him for two weeks. He’s sitting on the sidelines like a gambler at a high-stakes poker table… waiting for one more hand.

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What’s in the Cards?

According to Foot Mercato, the real player here is Saudi Arabia, specifically Al-Hilal or Al-Nassr, though Al-Ittihad (Ghazanfar) — wait, no — let me correct that: it’s Al-Ittihad? No, actually — it’s Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr who are circling. But the biggest name mentioned is Jeddah United, which hasn’t even appointed a sports director yet! That’s right—no brass, no budget team—but they’ve already started whispering sweet nothings.

This isn’t strategy—it’s desperation with Excel spreadsheets.

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The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They’re Lying)

Let me break this down with my proprietary Space Utilization Index (SUI): when a player like Pogba waits past all realistic deadlines, it means one thing—his leverage has gone nuclear. He knows his value isn’t just stats; it’s brand power + marketability + FIFA PR aura.

Monaco offered two years at reportedly €5 million per season—not bad for mid-tier Europe—but Pogba wants more than salary. He wants legacy impact and global exposure. And only Saudi clubs can promise that… in theory.

The numbers? They’re silent on whether he’ll take less money for prestige—or if prestige will cost him his career.

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Why Not Marseille?

Marseille was hot early—especially since they’re rivals to Monaco—and even had talks going strong. But now? Cold shoulder territory.

Why?

Because football is built on trust—and trust evaporates when you’re late to the party… especially if you’re late because you’re waiting for someone else to make the first move. The irony? Marseille might be better suited tactically—their midfield structure fits Pogba like a glove—but emotional chemistry doesn’t translate on paper. The same way Ortg vs Drtg doesn’t always predict wins when morale crashes.

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My Take: The Quiet Chess Master — Or Just Overconfident?

I’ve watched enough playoff games to know this move is either genius or ego run amok. Pogba played under Sir Alex Ferguson—not exactly known for patience—but now he’s playing himself like he’s still in 2016 Manchester United lore. The reality? His physical form post-rehab isn’t proven. His defensive IQ dropped during exile. And yet—he still thinks he can walk into elite leagues like nothing happened. That said… I respect the audacity of waiting instead of accepting crumbs while chasing mythic glory abroad. The modern game rewards confidence more than consistency—and right now, confidence is his only asset left. Even so—I wouldn’t bet my life savings on this gamble.