Paul Pogba is a free agent after leaving AS Monaco, and betting markets now favor a move to Major League Soccer, with DC United, New York City, and Los Angeles FC among the top candidates, but uncertainty remains over his next club
Paul Pogba, the 33-year-old French midfielder and 2018 World Cup winner, is once again a free agent after his contract with AS Monaco expired. Pogba's return to the transfer market comes after a challenging season in Ligue 1, where he struggled with injuries and played only 115 minutes across all competitions. His limited appearances and ongoing fitness concerns have left his future uncertain, but betting markets are now focusing on a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS) as the most likely next step in his career.
Pogba's Recent Performance and Market Value
Pogba joined AS Monaco in 2025 following a two-year suspension for a doping violation that ended his time at Juventus. Despite hopes that a return to France would help him regain form, Pogba was unable to establish himself in Monaco's lineup. He made just six appearances, starting only once and failing to record any goals or assists. Over the season, he missed 27 matches due to injury and was available for selection in just 11. These figures have contributed to skepticism among European clubs about his ability to return to top-level competition.
MLS Clubs Lead Betting Odds
With Pogba's European prospects uncertain, betting markets now see MLS as the most probable destination. According to current odds, DC United is the leading candidate to sign Pogba, primarily because the club holds his Discovery Rights under MLS rules. This mechanism gives DC United priority in negotiating with Pogba, but does not obligate the player to sign. Other MLS teams, including New York City and Los Angeles FC, are also considered strong contenders, with both clubs sharing similar odds. CF Montréal, which recently signed Alexis Sánchez, is another franchise in the mix. The odds for Pogba to join DC United before September 1, 2026, are currently set at 3.25 (9/4), with New York City and Los Angeles FC at 4.0 (3/1), and CF Montréal at 4.5 (7/2).
International Options and Remaining Uncertainty
Outside MLS, Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia is the top non-U.S. option, with odds of 5.0 (4/1) for Pogba to join before September 1, 2026. This move would reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo, his former teammate at Juventus. Inter Miami, another high-profile MLS club, is also listed at 5.5 (9/2), offering Pogba the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi. Despite these possibilities, no agreement has been confirmed, and Pogba's next club remains undecided as of June 2026. The combination of his injury history, age, and recent inactivity means that any signing would carry significant risk for the acquiring club.
MLS Discovery Rights are a unique aspect of the league's player acquisition system. They allow clubs to claim priority negotiation rights for players not currently in MLS, but these rights can be traded or sold to other teams. This system often shapes transfer negotiations and can influence betting markets, as seen in the current speculation around Paul Pogba's future. For players and clubs, understanding Discovery Rights is essential when evaluating potential moves to MLS and the likelihood of a deal being finalized.
