Congolese international Arnaud Lusamba nears move to PFK Neftçi 

Congolese international Arnaud Lusamba is on the verge of joining Azerbaijani side PFK Neftçi after reaching an agreement with the club’s management.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been without a team since leaving Baniyas in the United Arab Emirates at the end of last season.

Negotiations between Lusamba and Neftçi began only a few days ago but advanced quickly, with both parties settling on the terms of a two-year contract.

The deal, once finalised, will see the former Ligue 1 player return to European football following a short spell in the Gulf.

Lusamba enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign with Baniyas, featuring in 29 matches across all competitions.

From his role in midfield, he scored once and contributed six assists, underlining his ability to combine defensive stability with attacking support.

Despite those contributions, the UAE club chose not to renew his contract, leaving him a free agent since July.

For Neftçi, his arrival represents an opportunity to strengthen the spine of their midfield with an experienced and versatile player.

Known for his ball-winning ability and composure in possession, Lusamba has also shown creativity when pushing forward.

That combination makes him a valuable asset for a side competing on both domestic and continental fronts.

The Congolese midfielder’s career path has taken him through several European clubs before his stint in the Middle East.

A product of French football, he began at Nancy before moving to Ligue 1 side Nice.

Later spells at Cercle Bruges in Belgium and Alanyaspor in Turkey added to his experience across different leagues.

At 28, Lusamba is considered to be in the prime of his career and is currently valued at around €1 million on Transfermarkt.

His imminent move to Neftçi is also a boost for the Democratic Republic of Congo, as regular football in Europe will enhance his chances of featuring more prominently for the national side.

With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, consistent performances at club level could strengthen his international prospects.

For now, all indications point to a deal nearing completion, with Lusamba set to become the latest addition to Neftçi’s squad.

The Azerbaijani club, keen to add depth and experience, appear confident that his arrival will provide both stability and creativity in midfield.

After months in search of a new challenge, Lusamba is finally poised to restart his career—this time in Baku, with Neftçi placing their trust in the Congolese international to make an immediate impact.