Paul Pogba is facing another uncertain stage in a career that has moved from promise to upheaval. Monaco are reportedly considering ending his contract after a 2025-26 season in which he made only six appearances, leaving the 33-year-old once again in limbo eight years after his World Cup triumph with France.

For much of the 2010s, Pogba stood among the most influential midfielders in the game. He projected the swagger of a modern football celebrity and combined power, precision and grace in a way that made him one of the era’s defining players. Yet the closing years of his career have been marked by inconsistency, fitness problems and a suspension that removed him from action for an extended period.

Manchester United first signed him from Le Havre in 2009, a move that sparked controversy when the French club accused the English side of “stealing” their prized asset unlawfully. The transfer was eventually approved by a FIFA-appointed judge. His first spell at Old Trafford was brief, bringing only seven first-team appearances before he left for Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 after a public dispute with Alex Ferguson, with both men accusing the other of “disrespect.”

Juventus was where Pogba reached his peak. In his debut season he made 37 appearances and scored five times, then built on that with 18 goal involvements in 2013-14 and a second successive Serie A title. Across the next two campaigns, he produced 20 goals and 22 assists, while also helping Juventus reach the 2014-15 Champions League final.

United later paid a then record £89.3 million in August 2016 to bring him back. His first season in Manchester delivered nine goals and six assists and ended with Europa League and EFL Cup success. The next year brought 18 goal involvements, but his relationship with José Mourinho deteriorated, before Ole Gunnar Solskjær later helped him rediscover form and finish with 16 Premier League goal contributions after the managerial change.

A failed drugs test in September 2023 led to an 18-month ban, and Juventus had torn up his contract by early 2025. Monaco then took a chance on him in June 2025, but injuries again restricted his involvement. He is now sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered in preseason, and another move, possibly away from Europe, appears likely if his contract is terminated.

Mikel Arteta has underlined Myles Lewis-Skelly’s value after a promising preseason, describing the teenager’s form as a “good sign” while rival interest continues to surface.

Reports have linked the Arsenal midfielder with outside attention, with The Guardian stating he was “offered” to United and that Chelsea were also “made aware of his availability.” BBC Sport, however, have reported that Lewis-Skelly remains determined to stay at the Emirates Stadium and fight for his place.

The England international added to his preseason momentum by scoring in Arsenal’s latest friendly, netting in the 1-1 draw with Como before celebrating with a heart gesture toward the home support.

Arteta declined to discuss the speculation after the final whistle, but was keen to assess the player’s contribution and attitude.

“It’s good to score a goal, you should be emotional when you score a goal,” Arteta responded when quizzed about Lewis-Skelly’s celebration. “He’s a very emotional player. I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch [last season]. I’m not going to talk about any speculation.

“If there is a speculation about our player, it’s a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they’re doing a good job.

“I think he had a really good preseason. I think we asked him to play in a different position, because he played more as a six, because we lacked central midfielders, obviously with international duties, and I think he had a really consistent preseason.”

Lewis-Skelly’s immediate future remains unresolved, but his situation also sits against Arsenal’s wider squad planning. The club are looking to recoup funds after spending on Guimarães ($101 million), Christos Tzolis ($45.4 million) and Piero Hincapié ($45.4 million).

As an academy graduate, he would count as pure profit if sold, giving Arsenal greater flexibility before the September deadline. The club have already made four signings this summer, including Illan Meslier on a free transfer, but Arteta made clear more may still be needed.

“There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,” Arteta insisted.

“We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn’t just depend on you. We are very clear on that.

“But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that’s unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

The USMNT’s European footprint has rarely been deeper, with more than 50 American players spread across UEFA rosters as the 2026-27 season begins. From the Championship to Serie A and beyond, several key names are set to shape the year ahead.

Sebastian Berhalter enters the spotlight after what could be described as the best spell of his Major League Soccer career, outside of Lionel Messi in 2025 and 2026. His blend of defensive work, fast transitions, accurate long passing and the ability to score from distance made him central to Vancouver Whitecaps’ rise over the last 18 months. After standing out at the 2026 World Cup, he has now joined Middlesbrough and has already marked his competitive debut with an assist against Wrexham in the Carabao Cup first round.

Berhalter is not the only USMNT-linked name at Middlesbrough, with Aidan Morris and Max Arfsten also in the squad. The club are aiming for Premier League promotion after losing the EFL Championship promotion play-off final to Hull City last season.

At Villarreal, midfielder-turned-wide option Diego Luna? No. The draft instead points to Freeman, who joined midway through 2025-26 and now begins his first full European campaign. He scored against Australia at the World Cup and completed 90 minutes in four of five matches. Although his La Liga minutes have been limited so far, he is expected to take a step forward under Iñigo Pérez.

Folarin Balogun’s situation remains unsettled. He is contracted to Monaco, where he scored 13 league goals last season, but has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, clubs in the Bundesliga, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Whether he stays or moves, he should remain one of the more compelling USMNT forwards to follow, especially with Monaco heading into the Conference League.

Christian Pulisic also enters a pivotal season with AC Milan. Injury issues and uneven international form have clouded the picture, but he remains one of the USMNT’s leading figures. Milan finished fifth last season and eighth the year before, leaving Pulisic with both personal and collective ground to recover.

Finally, Zavier Gozo appears set for Crystal Palace from Real Salt Lake. The 18-year-old uncapped prospect is not expected to be an immediate regular, but he could still see Premier League minutes this season.