Giannelli Imbula Joins FC Porto in €20m Move from Marseille
It’s official: Giannelli Imbula has completed a move to Portuguese giants FC Porto, ending his two-year spell at Olympique de Marseille. The French-born midfielder of Central African descent signed a five-year deal, with the transfer fee reportedly in the region of €20 million.
Imbula, 22, had been linked with a number of European clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Valencia, but ultimately opted for the Portuguese side. In his first interview as a Porto player, he dismissed suggestions that his decision was financially motivated.
“FC Porto is not known for offering huge salaries to young players, so my choice wasn’t about money,” Imbula told club media. “I said yes to Porto because they believed in me and because of the sporting project they presented. Leaving Marseille for Porto feels like a new step in my career, and I hope I can live up to the expectations placed on me.”
Porto have earned a reputation for developing emerging talent and giving young players a platform to shine on the European stage. Imbula’s arrival is seen as a key addition as the club prepares for both domestic competition and a fresh Champions League campaign.
Imbula joined Marseille in 2013 from Guingamp and quickly became a regular in the heart of midfield under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Known for his strength, composure, and ability to transition play, Imbula was widely regarded as one of Ligue 1’s brightest midfield talents.
Following confirmation of the transfer, Marseille issued a brief statement thanking the player for his contributions over the past two seasons. “Olympique de Marseille thanks him for the work he has done over the past two seasons and wishes him good luck in his new colours,” read the statement on the club’s official website.
Imbula is expected to join up with Porto’s pre-season preparations in the coming days as he begins the next chapter of his promising career in Portugal.
