The Chronicle are reporting that Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is seeking a new centre back signing in the summer to replace Chancel Mbemba.
The Democratic of Congo international has played just twice since September and it seems a lack of trust in the player’s ability to follow tactical instructions is at the heart of the matter.
Mbemba signed from Anderlecht for £8million at the start of the 2015/16 season, and was a regular starter under Benitez last campaign. Despite having a run of six matches in the first team at the start of this season, it seems the 22 year old’s display against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2-0 defeat back in September could sound the death knell of his Magpies career.
The centre back lost the ball a number of times despite Benitez instructing the defender to play long diagonal balls to bypass the Wolves midfield. His lack of tactical understanding, combined with his poor English, are said to have led to his relegation to fourth choice centre half behind Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles and Grant Hanley.
With it now being reported that Benitez will seek another centre back, Mbemba’s days on Tyneside seem to be numbered.
