Paul Pogba has been savagely shut down by Atletico Madrid after reportedly offering his services to the Spanish giants.
The former Manchester United midfielder has been sounding out potential moves after his contract was mutually terminated with Juventus.
Pogba had his four-year ban reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning he is allowed to train again from January 2025.
The 31-year-old has received offers from the MLS and Saudi Pro League, but is believed to prefer to stay in Europe.
With the Frenchman set to become a free agent, he has reportedly offered himself to Atletico Madrid.
According to El Nacional, Pogba had hoped to join Atletico, with the Spanish side looking for midfield reinforcements.
Paul Pogba Shut Down By Atletico Madrid
While a move to the Spanish capital might be appealing for Pogba, it seems the club are less than interested.
Diego Simeone’s side reportedly wants ‘nothing to do with’ the 2018 World Cup winner. The manager is said to be uninterested in recruiting ‘experiments’.
However, while Atletico Madrid may not be keen on Pogba, he does have other potential La Liga suitors.
It is believed that Villareal – who are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight – are looking at Pogba.
A Premier League Return For Pogba?
Outside of La Liga, there are several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in the ex-United man.
Former Le Havre youth player Pogba has been linked with both West Ham and Newcastle United.
Having served 13 months of his 18-month suspension, Pogba is closing in on a return. He was banned in September 2023 after testing positive for testosterone, and admitted he was considering retirement before the ban was shortened from four years.
But now able to play again in a couple of months, Pogba is hoping to reignite his career. He also appears to have not given up on an international recall.
For now though, Paul Pogba has set his sights on getting back to football, wherever that may be.
He said: “I would just like to be on the pitch, any pitch. I am still the same player with a different hunger, more motivated and more hungry.
“I will appreciate the game more than before because the game has been taken away from me – I realise how important it is for me.”
