Paul Pogba’s MLS Future Takes a Surprising Turn Amid Messi Reunion Doubts—Which Rival Club Is Making the Move?

Paul Pogba’s saga in the soccer world has taken yet another twist, and honestly, it’s the kind of drama that keeps you glued to the screen. After his ban was shortened to 18 months, signaling the end of his time away from competitive play, whispers about his next move started flying like wildfire. Sure, everyone’s heard about the buzz connecting him to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami — a seemingly perfect fit given Pogba’s free-agent status and residency in the city. Yet, here’s the curveball: the French maestro appears to have quietly stepped into talks with a very different MLS contender. D.C. United, with an open Designated Player spot and some serious ambition, might just be the dark horse in this race to land the World Cup champ. While Inter Miami is flaunting a revamped lineup rich with star power, it seems like the Florida club might be trailing behind in the bid for Pogba’s signature. Intrigued? Well, hold tight — this isn’t just a player transfer story; it’s a chess game full of strategy, stars, and stakes. LEARN MORE

Paul Pogba’s future has been a hot topic ever since his ban was reduced to 18 months, making him eligible to return to action. Despite links to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the World Cup champion has reportedly held talks with an MLS rival.

Messi has seen Inter Miami’s roster change significantly compared to last season, with several departures and a lack of major signings. With Pogba available as a free agent — and already living in the city — pursuing the French midfielder would seem like an ideal move for Inter Miami. However, the Florida side may have fallen a few steps behind.

According to The Athletic, Paul Pogba has held talks with D.C. United regarding a potential blockbuster signing. The MLS club currently has two of its three Designated Player slots occupied by Christian Benteke and Mateusz Klich, meaning there is still one slot open that could favor Pogba’s arrival.

Pogba has been spotted attending multiple MLS games during the 2025 season and even held meetings with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. However, no formal discussions about a potential deal with Inter Miami have reportedly taken place. Meanwhile, GIVEMESPORT reports that although no formal offer has been made yet, initial conversations between Pogba and D.C. United took place two months ago.

The French star played his last professional match on September 3, 2023, for Juventus against Empoli before being banned for testing positive for non-endogenous testosterone metabolites (DHEA). With his suspension reduced and now expired, Pogba’s return to the pitch is getting closer.

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D.C. United’s advantage over Inter Miami

Whether Pogba ultimately joins D.C. United or Inter Miami remains to be seen, but the Black-and-Red have already made significant moves to secure his signing. According to reports, D.C. United holds Pogba’s MLS discovery rights, meaning they have priority in negotiations for the midfielder.

While Inter Miami boast a formidable attack with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, the team still lacks a marquee midfield star to dominate the final third of the pitch. Reports suggest that Inter Miami hold the discovery rights to Kevin De Bruyne. However, with Pogba still weighing his options and available as a free agent, the French star’s path to South Florida may not be fully closed just yet.