Another big European club is reportedly interested in Paul Pogba’s services (31) despite his lengthy layoff away from the pitch.

Manchester City are the latest side linked to the 2018 World Cup winner. The Independent report that the reigning English Premier League champions are considering adding the Frenchman to their squad, but bringing him to the Etihad may be challenging.

The report indicates that Pogba is reluctant to join Pep Guardiola’s side because he previously applied his trade with their bitter rivals, Manchester United. Pogba spent six seasons with the Red Devils as a senior player, helping them capture a UEFA Europa League crown in 2016-17 and the Carabao Cup that same season. He also spent some time in the club’s academy.

The other thing seemingly standing in the way is the uncertainty surrounding the Sky Blues, who are facing over 100 charges of breaching financial rules. A ruling on that matter is expected in the coming months. The club could face relegation or a points deduction if found guilty.

It’s been a rough campaign for Man City both domestically and in Europe, already losing more Premier League fixtures in 2024-25 than a season ago. After six UEFA Champions League encounters, City are 22nd in the table, just one point above Paris Saint-Germain.

The former UEFA Nations League champion became a free agent after Juventus released Pogba in November. However, he won’t be eligible to play again until March of next year.

Pogba is intent on playing at the highest level again, with his preferred choices being sides in La Liga, Serie A or the Bundesliga. He received a doping ban of four years in February, but that was reduced to 18 months in early October. Pogba will be allowed to return to training in January.

GFFN | Joel Lefevre