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By YASEEN ZAMAN Published: 02: 05 AEST, 30 April 2025 | Updated: 03: 52 AEST, 30 April 2025 9 View comments A new contender has emerged to sign Paul Pogba as the former Manchester United midfielder prepares to return after 20 months away, according to a report. Pogba, 32, has been without a team since mid-November when his Juventus contract was mutually terminated. The Frenchman was initially hit with a four-year ban from football in February last year after a drugs test found increased levels of testosterone in his system. The World Cup winner in October had his suspension reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) from four years to 18 months following an appeal. Pogba's last competitive match came for Juventus in September 2023, while he last played 90 minutes in March 2022 when he played for United. The midfielder is now being eyed up by MLS outfit DC United, who have acquired his discovery rights, according to The Washington Post. DC United reportedly lead the race in the MLS to sign 32-year-old Paul Pogba this summer The club reportedly hold Pogba's discovery rights and have been in talks with him for months The World Cup winner has not played in a competitive match since September 2023 Discovery rights are a mechanism that allows a club in the MLS to claim the exclusive right to negotiate with a player who is not currently involved within the league. If another MLS club wanted to negotiate with Pogba, they would first have to purchase this right from DC United. It is believed DC United have been in talks with Pogba for months, as they try to agree on personal terms. During his time away from the pitch, Pogba has been linked with the likes of Marseille, Man City, Corinthians and even a shock return to Man United, as well as several MLS clubs. The 32-year-old has been training in Miami with coaches, working on both his football and physical fitness. However, Mail Sport previously reported Pogba is unlikely to sign with any club before the end of the current season. This week, KSI sensationally revealed that Pogba is 'one realistic wildcard' who he would love to see play in the Baller League. The You Tuber, boxer and influencer is president of the UK version of the popular six-a-side tournament that is hosted at the Copperbox Arena on Monday nights. Pogba was banned from football last year after a drugs test found increased levels of testosterone in his system KSI revealed Pogba could sign for the Baller League, which the You Tuber is the president of 'Pogba, he's a free agent. We do follow each other on socials and we are in talks, ' KSI said. KSI then laughed and was asked what team the World Cup winner would join if he did make the move. 'It depends on who he wants, but I feel like a player of that calibre would have to play for like an N5, a team that is at the bottom. ' N5 are managed by Arsenal legends Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Jens Lehmann, with the name a reference to North London. Several celebrity players and managers are already involved in the competition, with the likes of Gary Lineker, John Terry, Alan Shearer and Luis Figo among those in charge of sides. Meanwhile, players are paid £400 per match and the teams include retired professionals such as Troy Deeney, futsal players, free agents and former academy stars who have recently been released.
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