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Official Newcastle United Statement: Kevin Mbabu has been sold

7 years ago
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After a year out on loan, Newcastle United have sold Kevin Mbabu.

The 22 year old had impressed many Newcastle fans in his limited chances at the club, playing well against both Chelsea and Manchester City.

However, after a season on loan at BSC Young Boys, he has joined on a permanent basis.

It was 11 days ago (see below) when the player stated that he expected a transfer this summer on a permanent basis.

Newcastle United official statement:

‘Kevin Mbabu has joined BSC Young Boys for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old defender enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Stade de Suisse last season, helping Adi Hütter’s side to finish second in the Swiss Super League.

Mbabu has signed a three-year contract with Young Boys.

He joined Newcastle as a teenager from Servette in January 2013 and, after injuries restricted his initial progress, Steve McClaren handed him a surprise debut in a Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in September 2015 before pitching him in for a Premier League bow against Chelsea three days later.

He also had a loan spell with Rangers and made a total of five appearances for the Magpies in all competitions. The club wishes him well for the future.’

The Mag – 4 June 2017:

Kevin Mbabu and BSC Young Boys completed their season on Friday night, a 2-0 win over Lausanne Sport in the final game.

This left them runners up in the league, 17 points behind champions Basel and 16 clear of third place Lugano.

Kevin Mbabu (watch his personal highlights video of this season below) started the game and was subbed after 78 minutes, however, it was comments he made to the Swiss media in the aftermath that have made a few headlines.

The Newcastle defender saying that he expected the final details of a permanent move to Young Boys to be settled shortly and a three year contract signed.

Despite only five first team appearances for Newcastle due in part to injuries, fans were impressed with what they saw, especially in Premier League matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.

Kevin Mbabu has had a decent season back in Switzerland, making 25 appearances and helping his loan club to finish as runners-up in the league.

In the 25 games this season, the Newcastle loan player has scored two goals but picked up 11 yellow cards as well as one red.

It was anticipated Mbabu would present Rafa Benitez with one of his more interesting/positive dilemmas with regard to returning loan players, as the United boss looks once again to oversee major changes in terms of players in and out.

News earlier this week appeared to give extra appeal regarding when Rafa has to decide on Kevin Mbabu, with the Newcastle Manager having made clear that he sees adding pace to his team/squad is essential to be able to compete in the Premier League.

In last Sunday’s Swiss league match against FC Thun, Mbabu was measured at 36.1km/h when chasing down an attacking  player and making a crucial saving tackle.

According to official records/data, only Gareth Bale (36.9km/h) has been measured as achieving a higher speed during a competitive match.

With Vurnon Anita set to be released and the recruitment of DeAndre Yedlin, Rafa Benitez has already recognised the need for added pace in his defence, so wouldn’t Kevin Mbabu have been worth a chance to be part of Newcastle’s plans going forward?

In  those appearances against Chelsea and Manchester City, Mbabu suggested like Yedlin, that he has the pace, stamina and ability to do that modern day full-back role of getting up and down the full length of the pitch (just watch the video below for more proof of that), to be  a key part of the attacking pay as well as defending.

Edge Technology Press Release:

‘Kevin Mbabu, the Newcastle United player currently out on loan in Switzerland with Young Boys, has been recorded with a top speed of 36.1km/h.

The record has been made during last game against FC Thun, sprinting for a defensive task, and finishing by a spectacular sliding tackle.

It makes him the second fastest player in the world, just behind Gareth Bale (36.9km/h), measured on a official football game.

Kevin Mbabu has been training with a personal performance coach since 2017, in order to improve his skills, speed and explosiveness.’

[youtube=https://youtu.be/x9s_ztJp26k&w=600]

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