3 MLS clubs that would suit World Cup winner Paul Pogba | OneFootball

Paul Pogba's 18-month doping ban expired this week, only days after the former France World Cup winner was spotted checking in with old international treammates Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris at LAFC's home loss to Austin FC on Sunday.

This may have been merely coincidence, of course. But the sighting has prompted some to renew speculation over a potential MLS landing spot for the former Juventus and Manchester United midfielder, and where there's smoke, fire often appears sooner or later.

But which MLS clubs would make the most sensible landing spot for Pogba if he were to return? Here's three clubs whose potential needs could square nicely with what the 32-year-old can offer.

LAFC

I mean duh, right?

Pogba has already been to a game and already has two good friends on the team. If there's a spot that LAFC has room to grow in, it may be in the attack-minded central midfield role Pogba inhabits so well. And it's entirely possible that he could also help find solutions for Giroud, who has been in a miserable slump since arriving in MLS.

And if half-season loan signing Cengiz Under doesn't stay beyond the initial term of his deal, Pogba could also slide into an open Designated Player role without any major roster manipulation if he didn't join LAFC until the summer transfer window.

If there is a drawback, it's that bringing in Pogba would probably mean doubling down on the Giroud project for at least the rest of the season, one that has shown scant signs of working to this point.

CF Montreal

Nov 22, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba (11) speaks to fans during a post-game celebration to honor his career in MLS after a 3-2 win over Toronto Impact in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The club are in need of an injection of both talent and star appeal, and Pogba as a native French speaker would be a nearly perfect fit.

And even though the current group is one of the more workman-like rosters in MLS, there's a demonstrated history of European stars coming to MLS and doing well in North America's Francophone culture capital. Didier Drogba, Bakari Sagna and Alessandro Nesta are among those to ply their trade in Quebec at the end of their careers.

Pogba would also fit well with manager Laurent Courtois' ball-dominant tactical ideology. And because Montreal's schedule is backloaded with home games, even if he didn't join the club until the secondary transfer window, he could play up to eight home games between MLS and Leagues Cup compatition.

Atlanta United

Having already spent $32 million in transfer fees this winter, Atlanta have one of the deepest pocketbooks in all of MLS. And while their three Designated Player roster spots are currently full, if Alexey Miranchuk keeps underwhelming, he could be moved on to make room for Pogba

Team president Garth Lagerwey also has a history of supplementing his team with similar signings back in his days constructing the Seattle Sounders, including a blockbuster move to bring American star Clint Dempsey back to MLS from Tottenham Hotspur.

It would mark a bit of a different kind of splash for Atlanta United, who in their early days built their strongest teams by focusing on expensive but still up-and-coming South American talent. But maybe bringing Miguel Almiron back from Newcastle United is the beginning of a change of direction.