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Major League Soccer is approaching the tail end of a midseason summer transfer window before transitioning to the European calendar in 2027. While the window has already brought Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski and Casemiro into the league, the prospect of Paul Pogba joining also remains a significant talking point.
According to reports, Pogba is expected to have his deal with Ligue 1 club AS Monaco terminated and would be free to join a new side, as he continues seeking stability following his return from a doping ban.
MLS clubs previously attempted to land the 33-year-old and could well be in contention once more. In 2025, D.C. United held Pogba's MLS Discovery Rights, and no reports have emerged of those rights being transferred, meaning they could retain first right of refusal on the 2018 World Cup champion, even if their squad-building direction has shifted.
Taking into account Discovery Rights, premium roster slots, Targeted Allocation Money and U22 Initiative roster profiles, Sports Illustrated ranks five clubs that could be in contention to sign the Frenchman before the window shuts on Sept. 2.
Wild Card: Inter Miami
Inter Miami always seem to find a way, even amid investigations into alleged tampering violations. Currently, the club is stretched well beyond its Designated Player (DP) allocation, with Casemiro and Luis Suárez already on enormous contracts that don't even qualify as DP deals. Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Germán Berterame occupy the DP spots and are contracted beyond this season.
Pogba would likely be drawn to playing in Miami, and the Herons consistently find solutions under the ownership of Jorge and Jose Mas and David Beckham, making it impossible to rule them out.
5. Colorado Rapids
The Colorado Rapids are in need of reinforcements in central midfield and recently received a significant financial boost with the $17 million sale of young defender Lucas Herrington to Premier League outfit Hull City. While they won't have the full amount available to reinvest, they are better positioned to strengthen their squad and will need to bring in quality to elevate a side that has shown glimpses of promise.
To acquire Pogba, the Rapids would likely need to obtain his Discovery Rights and then negotiate a contract, despite being a less glamorous destination compared to the high-profile markets of Miami, Los Angeles and New York, which tend to attract bigger names.
There is a positional need in Colorado, and the club has the flexibility to shift from the U22 Initiative roster model to a three-DP setup, with Paxten Aaronson and Rafael Navarro currently serving as the team's DPs. Is it probable? No. But it's certainly not out of the question.
4. New York City FC
New York City FC are gearing up to unveil Etihad Park in 2027 and will likely want a high-profile name to anchor the launch of the club's new chapter. While they've pursued Christian Pulisic and could potentially enter the race for former NYCFC Academy product Gio Reyna down the line, Pogba represents another viable option.
NYCFC don't necessarily have a pressing need in central midfield given the form of Nicolás Fernández Mercau, who has netted 13 goals in 18 appearances in his debut MLS campaign, but bringing in an experienced veteran to cover for the injured Maxi Moralez could make sense.
While the club hasn't featured an aging European icon since its early years, which saw Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa come through, there is clear ambition to reclaim a place among MLS's elite, and Pogba could be the catalyst. They don't currently hold a DP slot, however, meaning Pogba would need to be added as a Targeted Allocation Money player for at least the remainder of the 2026 season.
3. CF Montréal
CF Montréal sit at the foot of the Eastern Conference, but have just secured 37-year-old Alexis Sánchez for the rest of the 2026 season and the 2027 sprint season, with an option covering the full 2027-28 campaign under the new calendar. He is the club's sole DP, so why not pursue Pogba as well?
Montréal are in desperate need of talent right now, and taking what could be a relatively low-cost gamble on Pogba may be worth exploring, particularly following a similar type of move for Sánchez.
As the league's only French-speaking market, Pogba would generate enormous excitement among sports fans in Montréal, something that could prove valuable even if he isn't the kind of player who will deliver sustained success over the medium to long term.
2. Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City were in the running to sign Mohamed Salah this summer, but were unable to compete with the European appeal of Trabzonspor, who ultimately secured the former Liverpool forward. Years earlier, under previous ownership, the club also made moves to bring in Cristiano Ronaldo.
It's evident that Sporting Kansas City has an appetite for marquee signings, and under new managing owner Peter Mallouk, the financial resources and ambition are there to make it happen. The drawback remains the city's lack of appeal compared to some of the league's more glamorous markets, even if SKC can match any club financially.
SKC would likely need to pay for Pogba's rights, but could benefit from a central midfielder and a headline name to reignite an enthusiastic fanbase. They also have a DP slot available, with only Manu García and Dejan Joveljić currently occupying two of a potential three spots.