Marseille president reveals why the French giants did not sign Paul Pogba in the winter transfer window ahead of his return from 18-month drugs ban

Marseille president Pablo Longoria has explained why his club chose not to sign Paul Pogba in the winter transfer window.

The ex-Manchester United star was hit with a four-year ban last year after failing a drugs test, but the suspension was reduced to 18 months upon appeal.

Pogba was linked with several clubs in January, including Marseille, as his ban was set to end in early March.

However, he remains a free agent, and Longoria has now revealed why Marseille opted against making a move for the midfielder.

‘We had conversations and we had this opportunity because the player had come onto the market,’ Longoria told Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

‘However, we decided not to do it this season because we thought that his recovery time could upset the balance of the squad. And that would raise expectations. We felt that it would be counterproductive.’

Pogba was linked with a move to Marseille in the winter transfer window

Marseille president Pablo Longoria (pictured) has revealed why his club didn’t sign Pogba

Despite Pogba being a free agent, French regulations on registering players state that anyone signed after the winter transfer window closes cannot play that season.

It is understood that Pogba remains highly regarded by Marseille, but he would now not be able to play for them until the start of next season at the earliest.

Meanwhile, he has also been linked with a move to the US.

Pogba has not played a competitive match since September 2023. His Juventus contract was terminated by mutual consent last November.