After terminating his contract with Stoke City FC, Giannelli Imbula is reportedly on the verge of a move to FC Sochi in Russia.
According to reports, the 27-year-old midfielder is in advanced negotiations with the Russian side, who currently sit at the bottom of their domestic league standings. The proposed deal would see Imbula join FC Sochi until the end of the season, offering him a fresh opportunity to revive his career. The club’s sporting director, Dmitry Rubashko, confirmed the ongoing discussions in an interview with the Russian outlet Sport-Express, signaling that the transfer is close to completion.
Imbula, who has earned two caps with the DR Congo national team, is seeking stability after a turbulent few years marked by multiple moves and limited playing time. Once regarded as one of the most promising midfielders of his generation, he built his early reputation in France before attracting major European attention.
The midfielder first made his mark at En Avant Guingamp, where his powerful presence and technical ability in midfield stood out. His performances earned him a move to Olympique de Marseille, where he further developed and showcased his talent on a bigger stage. A subsequent transfer to FC Porto continued his upward trajectory, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
In January 2016, Stoke City secured his signature for approximately €24 million, a significant investment at the time. However, his spell in the Premier League did not unfold as expected. After a season and a half in England, Imbula struggled to secure a consistent role and was subsequently sent out on a series of loan spells in an effort to regain form and confidence.
He spent time on loan at Toulouse FC and Rayo Vallecano, before joining US Lecce last summer. At Lecce, however, opportunities remained scarce, and he found himself once again searching for regular minutes on the pitch.
A move to FC Sochi could represent a turning point. Joining a club fighting to avoid relegation presents both pressure and opportunity. If Imbula can rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders, he could play a pivotal role in helping the Russian side climb the table.
At 27, he still has time to reestablish himself at a competitive level. The potential transfer to Russia offers a fresh start and the chance to rebuild momentum in a new environment.
