The center back struggled to break into the rotation for Newcastle United, despite playing well early in the season.
It was another frustrating season for Chancel Mbemba at Newcastle United. A year after making only 12 league appearances, the center back only played in nine Premier League matches in 2017-18. With rumors swirling of a pending departure, we review the young defender’s season.
2017-18 stats: Nine appearances, seven starts, 75% tackle success rate, zero yellow cards.
Contract runs until: June 2020
Durim Halimi
The Congolese defender is likely on his way out, but if he stays he will come off the bench. Chancel Mbemba has the pace and strength to play in the top flight, but he lacked the urgency in training to oust other defenders from their starting roles. It would be nice if Mbemba stayed on Tyneside as he boasts plenty of potential.
2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player
Carson A. Merk
Chancel Mbemba played well in his limited appearances this season. He filled in for depth at fullback and didn’t look out of place. His biggest criticism in 2016-17 was he didn’t play well enough with the ball at his feet, especially passing. I thought he improved on that in the offseason and was more than competent building from the back. Unfortunately, he is stuck behind Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune, and Ciaran Clark for the foreseeable future. Still only 23 years old, I would keep Mbemba because he can provide depth across the back line. Unless the club receives a sizeable offer, I wouldn’t move him this summer, unless it’s on a loan deal.
2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player
Declan Ryan
Mbemba showed a lot of promise in his first season for Newcastle United, featuring over 30 times in the Premier League before the Magpies were relegated at the end of 2015/16. Since then, it has been all downhill for the Congolese international, as he could not hold down a regular starting spot in the Championship and clearly fell out of favour with Rafa Benitez, featuring even less in the Premier League last season. At only 23 years old and with two years left on his contract, Newcastle should sell high and cash in on Mbemba. He’s proven to be a very versatile and capable defender, but if Benitez won’t play him, the club should find a willing buyer who will.
2018-19 outlook: Sell this summer