LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer Transfer News

Should West Ham consider a summer move for Stoke’s Giannelli Imbula?

Stoke's Gianelli Imbula in action with Manchester City's Jesus Navas (REUTERS)
Follow us on Google Discover

The Stoke City man could reinvigorate his career with a move to West Ham United.

Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in action with Stoke City's Giannelli ImbulaStoke City’s Giannelli Imbula in action

Stoke City midfielder Giannelli Imbula has really struggled to establish himself in Mark Hughes’ side, since his club record £18.3 million move to the Potteries from Porto in February 2016.

The 24year-old has made just 27 appearances for the Potters during his time with the club, scoring only two goals and failing to register a single assist.

There is an argument to be made, however, that his style quite simply does not suit that way in which Stoke play, and that he is not being used in a manner that is conducive to him producing his best.

Maybe a move away from the BET365 Stadium is just what Imbula needs to help breathe life back into his flagging career.

And the Hammers should consider making a bold move for the Frenchman in the summer.

West Ham United manager Slaven BilicWest Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

He is still under contract with Stoke until 2021, but with him quite clearly being out of favour at the club, there is surely a viable opportunity to prise him away from the Potters, should Slaven Bilic wish to sign him.

The former Marseille and Porto man is a highly-energetic deep-lying midfielder, with superb levels of stamina, which enables him to get up and down the pitch for the entirety of the 90 minutes.

With Mark Noble seemingly on the demise, and approaching 30, midfield could be an area where Bilic wants to strengthen during the off-season.

And the thought of Imbula lining up next to the likes of Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate would surely be a tantalising one for Hammers fans.

Stoke's Gianelli Imbula scores their first goalStoke’s Gianelli Imbula