3 Key Reasons Why Paul Pogba Is Holding Out for a Saudi Move

The Quiet Wait

At 32, Paul Pogba is no longer chasing glory—he’s chasing purpose. After serving an 18-month doping suspension (reduced from four years), he’s back on the training pitch with no club attached. That silence speaks louder than headlines: he’s not desperate. While French clubs like Monaco and Marseille have floated offers, Pogba is holding out. And yes—Saudi Arabia is the quiet front-runner.

I’ve seen this pattern before: elite players re-entering elite competition after long absences don’t rush into deals. They wait for alignment—not just financially, but culturally.

Why Saudi? Beyond the Paycheck

Let’s be honest: the numbers are dazzling. A two-year contract with a Saudi club could pay over €10 million per season—more than most top-tier European salaries today.

But here’s what most fans miss: it’s not just about money. It’s about environment.

Saudi clubs like Al-Ittihad are investing heavily in infrastructure, analytics teams, and even sports psychology units—something that aligns perfectly with my data-driven approach to analysis. When you’re rebuilding your career after a scandal, having access to advanced recovery tech and AI-powered performance tracking matters more than jersey visibility.

And let’s talk logistics: playing under floodlights in Riyadh? That’s not just glamour—it’s strategic positioning for global brand value.

The Negotiation Game Isn’t Over Yet

Monaco claims they’re still in talks—two weeks of negotiation on a two-year deal. But according to Foot Mercato sources cited by FM, the gap remains on contract terms.

Why? Because Pogba wants influence—not just wages. He wants input on team tactics, player recruitment patterns—even fitness protocols.

That level of autonomy is rare outside of top La Liga or Premier League giants—and increasingly available in Riyadh’s modernization push.

Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad hasn’t named a sporting director yet—a structural delay that doesn’t mean “no.” In fact, it means they’re preparing for impact when they do move fast.

This isn’t hesitation; it’s precision planning—an INTJ-level strategy mirrored by my own predictive models at ESPN Brazil.