Winter Bombshell? The Possible 'Hidden Gem' of Barcelona for the January Market

With less than a week until the opening of the winter market, rumors are growing about the moves that could take place in the January transfer window. One of the names that has reportedly returned to FC Barcelona's radar is Paul Pogba, who hopes to return to play in 2025 after the doping sanction (positive for dehydroepiandrosterone) he suffered in September 2023. The former French international terminated his contract with Juventus and can sign as a free agent with any team.

However, the Frenchman will not be eligible to play until March 10. Initially, the midfielder was punished for four years, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction to 18 months. With more than a year away from football and a concerning injury history in the two years prior to his sanction, the player from Lagny-sur-Marne prioritizes starting to train from January to get physically fit.

Would Paul Pogba be a useful addition for Barça?

In this sense, Pogba's arrival at Barcelona raises serious doubts, both regarding his physical condition and his usual off-field issues. The last two seasons of the midfielder at Manchester United were tumultuous, which led him to return to Juve at 'zero cost' in the summer of 2022. If he recovers physically, Hansi Flick could add an experienced and quality player to assist Marc Casadó and Pedri, the starting duo of the Blaugrana midfield.

However, Barça already has several alternatives both in the pivot and for creative duties. Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López, and Gavi are ready to fight for a spot in the second half of the season. Eric García, Pablo Torre, and Andreas Christensen himself (if they remain with the team) will also lend a hand if the coaching staff needs them.

Given the circumstances, signing Pogba seems unnecessary, but Flick has already made it clear to the board his desire to sign another defensive midfielder as soon as possible. Besides Barça, clubs like Olympique de Marseille are closely monitoring his future. Additionally, the Frenchman has interesting offers from Saudi Arabia and MLS to tackle the final stretch of a brilliant career that has diminished in recent years. Paul won the World Cup in 2018 and the Nations League in 2021 with France, as well as multiple titles with Juventus and 'Man U'.