Marseille boss De Zerbi explains Pogba snub in winter transfer window: "The decision was taken for numerous reasons"

Paul Pogba remains a free agent, despite significant interest from Olympique de Marseille, and manager Roberto De Zerbi has now shed light on why a deal failed to materialize during the winter transfer window.

The 31-year-old midfielder saw his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months following an appeal at the end of 2024. While Pogba has been cleared to resume training since January and will be eligible to play again in March, he will not be doing so with Marseille. French football regulations prevent clubs from registering new players between the closure of the winter window and the end of the season, effectively ruling out a short-term move.

Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia previously stated that he would be open to signing Pogba in the summer transfer window, but De Zerbi has now clarified why the club passed on the opportunity to bring him in mid-season.

“No one could change the balance in the dressing room – no one will destabilize it as long as I am the manager. That was not the problem,” De Zerbi told L’Équipe, dismissing suggestions that Pogba’s arrival might have disrupted squad harmony.

The Marseille boss emphasized that the decision was more about tactical considerations and timing rather than any off-field concerns. “Pogba is a really great player, but you have to understand where we could use him once he was available to play, in what role and in what position. The more champions we have, the happier I will be,” De Zerbi explained.

“It was not that [the dressing room dynamic]. It was a general evaluation, and perhaps it will change, but for now, the decision not to sign Pogba in January was taken for numerous reasons.”

While a summer move remains a possibility, Marseille will reassess their options once the season concludes, potentially revisiting the opportunity to bring the 2018 World Cup winner back to Ligue 1.