New AS Monaco signing Paul Pogba is nearing full fitness ahead of the 2025-26 season, according to general manager Thiago Scuro, Afrosport reports.
The 32-year-old French midfielder, of Guinean heritage, joined the Monegasques on a free transfer, eight months after his contract was terminated by Juventus after he was found guilty of a doping violation in September 2023 and served an 18-month ban.
Pogba last played competitive football almost two years ago and was not involved in any of Monaco’s pre-season preparations as he builds up his fitness level along with fellow signing Ansu Fati, who joined on loan from Spanish giants Barcelona.
Providing an update on his fitness, Scuro said: “Everything is going in the right direction.
“He has started sessions on the pitch and is making progress. The timing is on track, the process is positive, with no red flags or setbacks so far.
“The intensity, pressure and level are very high. He will have to be able to repeat this training load on a daily basis. We will then see how his body adapts.”
Work in progress for @paulpogba 💪 pic.twitter.com/6tn04v0EPO
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 31, 2025
Pogba has said he desires to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and Scuro says it will be a great story if it happens.
“We really want to see him succeed,” he added. “It’s going to be a great story. The most special thing would be to see him play in the World Cup (in 2026). That would mean he’s done a lot of good things in Monaco.”
Monaco will commence their 2025-26 Ligue 1 season at home to Le Harve on Saturday.
