Paul Pogba’s time at Monaco appears to be nearing its conclusion, while Ansu Fati’s recurring fitness problems and Eric Dier’s uncertain position at the club have also created questions around three of the French side’s prominent summer arrivals.
The situation was highlighted at Monaco’s training centre in La Turbie on 31 July, when Fati and Pogba watched their team-mates work from a small slope beside the pitch. The pair appeared relaxed and were wearing slippers, but neither was fit enough to take part in the session.
Both players were instead continuing their recovery programmes individually. Their absence meant they were not considered for the starting line-up, despite the attention surrounding their arrivals during the summer transfer window.
Dier, by contrast, was available for selection and was given the captain’s armband. However, his involvement was limited to the second half of a low-key pre-season fixture against Cercle Brugge, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich defender played alongside younger players in the match, rather than taking part in what would have been regarded as Monaco’s expected first-choice team. His role and longer-term future therefore remain unclear.
The contrasting situations of the three players have left Monaco with different issues to consider. Pogba’s career with the club is approaching an end, while Fati continues to be affected by injuries that have restricted his involvement. Dier remains available, but his place in Monaco’s plans has not been settled.
None of the trio was included in the expected starting line-up for the training-ground scene, underlining the uncertainty surrounding their immediate status. Pogba and Fati were not match fit, while Dier’s appearance against Cercle Brugge came in a fixture described as insignificant and alongside younger team-mates.
The developments provide an early indication that Monaco’s summer recruitment has not yet produced a settled picture. Pogba’s future is close to being resolved through his expected departure, Fati’s fitness is still a concern, and Dier’s position is yet to be defined.
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