Steven Nzonzi: World Cup winner linked with surprise USL Dunkerque move

France and DR Congo midfielder Steven Nzonzi, currently without a club, is being linked with a move to Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque. The 37-year-old defensive midfielder, who last played for Stoke City, is understood to be on the radar of the northern club as they look to add experience to their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Nzonzi, born in Colombes and standing at 1.96m, would be available as a free agent after leaving Stoke on 1 July 2026. His current market value is listed at around €300,000, a figure that would make any potential deal relatively low-risk for Dunkerque as they assess veteran options in midfield.

The former France international boasts extensive top-flight experience across Europe, including 195 Premier League appearances and 90 in La Liga, as well as 39 outings in Ligue 1 earlier in his career. He has also featured 39 times in the UEFA Champions League, underlining the level at which he has operated.

Nzonzi’s career peak came with France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and a Europa League win with Sevilla in 2015-16, and he added a UEFA Nations League title with Les Bleus in 2021. More recently, he has featured in Turkey, Qatar and Iran, winning the Iranian Super Cup with Sepahan in 2024-25 before returning to Stoke on a free transfer in August 2025.

Negotiations have not been finalised and the move remains at rumour stage, but with Nzonzi currently unattached after his Stoke deal ended, he is free to discuss terms with Dunkerque or any other interested club.