Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba is in talks with Belgian giants Anderlecht over a summer switch back to his former club, according to Newcastle Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder.
The reliable journalist claimed via the Chronicle’s live transfer blog on Saturday [12:36pm] that Mbemba, 23, will be offloaded by the Magpies this summer if the club’s valuation of the DR Congo international is met.
Mbemba, who according to statistics website Spotrac earns £35,000-a-week at St James’ Park, has dropped well down Rafa Benitez’s pecking order since the start of the year, not even managing and appearance on the bench in the Premier League since December.
Good move for Newcastle?
If the Magpies can make a good fee by selling Mbemba then yes, but they are not likely to make back what they signed him for as Anderlecht would surely be unwilling to sign him for a high fee.
The 23-year-old has had an odd time at St James’ Park.
He arrived full of potential and promise, but in three years he has made just 59 appearances across all competitions.
Benitez has a lot of deadwood that he needs to get off the wagebill this summer in order to help him bring in new faces.
Getting rid of Mbemba is a good start.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
As long as Newcastle have not got a silly valuation on Mbemba then he should secure his return to Anderlecht this summer.
The defender performed well in his previous spell at the Belgian giants and there’s every chance that he would want the move to go through as well.
This is Futbol rating 8/10