As a data-driven basketball analyst with a Chicago upbringing and a soft spot for streetball grit, I’ve watched Paul Pogba’s comeback saga unfold like a real-life NBA free-agency thriller. With his ban reduced and options narrowing, the 32-year-old midfielder is now holding out for a Saudi offer—especially from Al-Ittihad or Al-Nassr. But why? Let’s break down the numbers, the psychology, and the unspoken game behind this high-stakes wait. This isn’t just football—it’s economics, ego, and legacy all wrapped in one contract decision.