Paul Pogba may leave AS Monaco after just one season despite signing a two-year contract, according to Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro. Speaking with Get French Football News, Scuro stated the club will use the current summer period to evaluate Pogba’s fitness and performance levels to determine his long-term viability with the squad.
Thiago Scuro Evaluates Paul Pogba’s Future at AS Monaco
AS Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has signaled that Paul Pogba’s tenure at the Ligue 1 club could be shorter than the two-year deal originally envisioned. In a recent interview with Get French Football News, Scuro indicated that the club is treating the current window as a critical observation period. The executive noted that while the player is under contract, his ability to maintain a high level of play will dictate whether he remains in Monaco beyond a single season.
This cautious approach comes as the club seeks to balance the potential of one of football’s most gifted midfielders against the risks associated with his recent injury history and lengthy absence from competitive play. For a global audience following the French game, this suggests that Monaco is treating the acquisition as a high-reward, high-risk venture rather than a guaranteed long-term pillar of their midfield.
The Impact of Fitness and Performance Metrics
The decision to potentially shorten Pogba’s stay hinges on “observing his level” during the summer. For the 31-year-old French international, the stakes are high. After years of legal battles regarding doping allegations and subsequent suspensions, returning to the pitch requires more than just a clean medical report; it requires a return to the physical intensity demanded by Ligue 1.
Monaco’s technical staff will be monitoring specific markers: aerobic capacity, match sharpness, and his ability to integrate into the tactical system without recurring soft-tissue injuries. If Pogba cannot prove he can handle a full season of competitive minutes, the club appears open to a separation after the first year of his contract.
To put this in perspective, many clubs in Europe have moved away from long-term guarantees for players returning from multi-year absences. By keeping the exit door open after one season, Monaco protects its wage structure and roster flexibility should the comeback prove unsustainable.
Contextualizing Pogba’s Return to France
Pogba’s move to Monaco represents a homecoming to the French league, but it is a far cry from his peak years at Juventus or Manchester United. The midfielder has spent a significant portion of the last few years sidelined, not by injury, but by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling regarding his use of banned substances.
While the suspension was eventually reduced, the gap in professional match fitness is substantial. Monaco is betting that the player’s innate technical ability can transcend this gap, but Scuro’s comments reveal a corporate pragmatism. The club is not operating on nostalgia; they are operating on current data.
What This Means for Monaco’s Midfield Strategy
The uncertainty surrounding Pogba’s longevity means Monaco cannot rely on him as their sole solution in the center of the pitch. If the CEO is already discussing a potential departure after one year, the club is likely scouting alternatives or developing youth prospects to ensure they aren’t left with a void in 2025.
From a tactical standpoint, Pogba offers a level of ball progression and vision that few in France possess. However, the modern game requires high-pressing and rapid recovery—areas where a player returning from a long hiatus often struggles. The “observation” period Scuro mentioned is essentially a trial by fire to see if Pogba can still execute these modern demands.
Timeline and Next Steps
The immediate focus remains the summer training camp and pre-season friendlies. These matches will serve as the primary evidence for Scuro and the coaching staff. If Pogba displays the consistency and durability required, the second year of his contract becomes a viable asset. If not, a transfer or contract termination could become a priority in the next window.
Fans and analysts should look for the number of minutes Pogba logs in the opening five matches of the season. A gradual integration would suggest a cautious medical approach, while a sudden drop in playing time could signal that the “observation” period has yielded negative results.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the club will be the official start of the Ligue 1 campaign, where Pogba’s role in the starting XI will provide the first real answer to Thiago Scuro’s questions.
Do you think Paul Pogba can return to his peak form in Ligue 1, or is Monaco right to keep their options open? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
