Paul Pogba might be getting closer to a comeback and it could happen in Major League Soccer. According to outlets like The Athletic and The Washington Post, D.C. United has reportedly started talks with the French midfielder (currently a free agent) with hopes of adding him to the squad for the 2025 season. The 2018 World Cup winner is currently living in Miami, where he’s been spotted training, and is said to be weighing offers now that his doping suspension is nearing its end.

One big reason why the capital club is ahead of the pack in the MLS race is that they hold discovery rights for Pogba. This unique MLS rule allows each team to claim up to five international players as priority targets. In this case, D.C. United has the exclusive right to kick off negotiations with the former Manchester United and Juventus star, meaning no other MLS team can approach him without their go-ahead.

A long-awaited return, with the structure in place

While nothing official has been offered yet, it’s believed that Jason Levien, the owner of D.C. United, has already had some informal meetings with Pogba and his team in recent months. On top of that, the club has a Designated Player spot open — giving them the flexibility to sign the Frenchman without running into salary cap issues. Right now, that DP status is held by Christian Benteke and Mateusz Klich, though the latter has been loaned out to Atlanta United.

Pogba, now 32, hasn’t played a competitive match since September 2023. His contract with Juventus was mutually terminated last November. After being suspended for unintentionally taking a banned substance, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his initial four-year ban to 18 months, making him eligible to return to action as of March.

While he’s still figuring out his next move, Pogba is also said to have offers from Europe, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. But the project at D.C. United, along with the appeal of playing in the MLS — especially with the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup coming to the U.S. — could be just the motivation he needs for a high-profile return to the game.