Latest reports claim that Newcastle United are gunning for the transfer of Giannelli Imbula from Stoke City this summer. The 25-year-old is being targeted by Crystal Palace as well after the completion of his loan spell with Ligue 1 side, Toulouse FC.
Imbula made 32 appearances with the French outfit last term during which he contributed with a goal and 2 assists on the offensive end. The former France youth international could tie down a starting berth under Mark Hughes at the bet365 after making a club record £18.3m transfer from FC Porto.
The 25-year-old hit the ground running on his arrival showcasing his defensive abilities from the centre of the pitch but quickly fell off the mark, often failing to meet expectations. He has made just 28 senior team appearances for City since his arrival in February 2016.
He was a high-flying prospect in the French league where he impressed with his exploits for En Avant de Guingamp and Olympique Marseille. The 25-year-old earned himself 11 caps for the France U20 and U21 sides and was a regular starter in the Les Phocéens lineup. He played in 76 total games for Marseille before getting traded off to Porto in the summer of 2015.
Imbula flopped out in Portugal which prompted the switch to Stoke 6 months later. There is no doubt over the player’s footballing talents but he seems stuck on his own bad habits. The 6 feet 1-inch figure is adept at winning back possession and has the lungs to run opposition players to the ground.
Imula might not be at the same level as players like Moussa Dembele or Nemanja Matic in the Premier League but he certainly has similar traits. At 25, he still is looking for that consistent run of form but unfortunately has found it hard to settle into the Premier League.
The question lies in whether Newcastle should plan an ambitious attempt for the midfielder. Rafael Benitez already has Mohamed Diame, Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino in the squad but the latter is expected to quit Tyneside by the end of the summer window.
Even though Diame has done an exceptional job at holding down the fort, Merino’s exit could prove to be costly in the long run. United need to improve the depth of their current squad to make a better run in the Premier League next season.
Although Benitez delivered a 10th place finish last term through his tactical expertise, a similar result might not be attained without the necessary additions.
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Merino’s transfer fee could give him enough leverage to sign Imbula.
