Imbula Reclaims Starting Role at Marseille Amid Transfer Interest
After a season spent largely on the sidelines, Giannelli Imbula has re-emerged as a key figure under Marcelo Bielsa at Olympique de Marseille. Once deemed surplus to requirements and placed among the players the club was actively seeking to offload, the midfielder has made a notable turnaround during the 2014–2015 campaign.
According to L’Équipe, the Franco-Central African international attracted interest from a top Serie A club during the summer transfer window. However, Marseille’s hierarchy declined to entertain any discussions with the Italian side—whose identity has not been disclosed. The reasoning behind the refusal was clear: Marcelo Bielsa had decided to reintegrate Imbula into his plans for the season and viewed him as an important part of his tactical setup.
The decision marked a significant reversal in fortunes for the former Guingamp and FC Lorient man, who had struggled to justify his price tag after arriving in Marseille in 2013. Under Bielsa’s guidance, however, Imbula has reclaimed a regular starting berth and shown glimpses of the potential that once made him one of France’s most highly regarded young midfielders.
The summer transfer window also brought significant interest in several other Marseille players. Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg and Spanish champions Atletico Madrid both made approaches for winger Florian Thauvin. The 21-year-old, considered one of France’s brightest attacking talents, remained at the club as Marseille held firm amid rising interest.
Meanwhile, promising left-back Benjamin Mendy, only 20 at the time, reportedly drew attention from Premier League powerhouse Manchester United. Known for his pace and physical presence, Mendy’s potential to evolve into a top-tier full-back did not go unnoticed by Europe’s elite. Nevertheless, like Thauvin, he remained in France as Bielsa sought to build a competitive squad without dismantling its youthful core.
Marseille’s stance during the transfer window signalled a commitment to stability and youth development, aligning with Bielsa’s vision of high-intensity football and tactical discipline. With key players retained and Imbula’s reintegration proving successful, the club hoped to mount a serious challenge in Ligue 1 after several seasons of inconsistency.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Bielsa’s trust in players like Imbula pays off—and whether Marseille’s decision to resist lucrative offers will help restore the club to the top of French football.
