Monaco opens door for Pogba exit after six games and 115 minutes

Monaco's General Director, Thiago Scuro, has opened the door to Paul Pogba's departure, despite the midfielder only arriving last summer. The 33-year-old French midfielder has just one year left on his contract, and his future will hinge on pre-season evaluations and the decision of new coach, Filipe Luís. Former Sporting player Eric Dier is another who could be leaving the club.

The club's financial situation, facing strict salary cap controls imposed by the DNCG (French National Directorate of Management Control), necessitates a policy of restraint. This reality could lead to significant squad changes, impacting players like Pogba, who saw limited action last season (115 minutes across 6 games) and whose progress has been questioned after more than two years away from top-level competition.

In a press conference held this Wednesday, Thiago Scuro addressed the midfielder's situation. "It's a very complicated matter," he began. "We have a lot of respect for the person, first and foremost. When he arrived here, he was very positive, he helped the young players. But the truth is also that the project [with him] didn't go well last season. When we started it, our expectations were very different," he admitted.

The Brazilian executive emphasized that a final decision will be made over the summer, following a careful analysis of the player's performance. "I believe it's only fair to him now: to observe his preparation each week, to see how he has progressed physically and technically. And then it will be the coach's decision, whether Filipe Luís will give him playing time or not," Scuro explained.

When directly questioned about a potential transfer, the general director was clear: "Is he likely to leave? Yes, of course. With Paul, the relationship has always been open and transparent. If, at some point, the player's and the club's objectives diverge, a solution must be found. Performance will provide all the answers we need. Maybe he'll leave, maybe he'll stay..."

Another high-profile signing from last summer, alongside Pogba and Ansu Fati (whose purchase option has already been exercised for 11 million euros), Eric Dier, also has an uncertain future. The 32-year-old English international failed to impress in the Principality, having been hampered by several muscle injuries and underperforming expectations.

Regarding the former Sporting and Tottenham player, who is under contract until June 2028, Thiago Scuro admitted that his situation is being evaluated. "Yes, that's also a topic. We've already spoken with him and his agents. The idea is always to find the best solutions for Monaco. When we have to reduce the wage bill, players with the highest contracts become a subject of discussion," he concluded.