Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez was effectively forced to turn down multiple offers for defender Chancel Mbemba during the summer months, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claims that the 23-year-old was extremely close to leaving St. James’ Park during the transfer window and only remains as a Magpies player because of the club being short of options at left-back.
Achraf Lazaar secured his Tyneside exit on deadline day after he signed for Benevento, leaving Paul Dummett, who is currently injured, as the only recognised left-back in Benitez’s arsenal.
Mbemba has played on the left side of the back four in the last two Premier League fixtures with varying results, but it seems that it is likely to stay that way until Dummett returns to action.
Good move for Newcastle?
With Lazaar gone, it made every bit of sense to keep Mbemba around even though he is playing out of position. It’s strange that the DR Congo international hasn’t performed too well in England having shown great promise at Anderlecht, which is a breeding ground for top class talent. However although he hasn’t lived up to the £8million price tag that was spent on him in 2015, he could still show his worth to Benitez over the coming weeks in this injury crisis.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen in the future?
The chances are that whatever Benitez sees from Mbemba in the coming months, he is not likely to be able to save his place in the Magpies squad. The defender’s performances haven’t been great over the years and it may be hard to show while out of position that he deserves a future on Tyneside. At his age, Mbemba is also someone who could have a decent future elsewhere which could bump up his asking price.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10