OPINION
By now it’s safe to say that everyone can agree that Newcastle United should never have sold right back Kevin Mbabu to Young Boys a few years back.
However, the club do have still have a chance to rectify their mistake. Speculation is currently whirring over the 23-year-old’s future, with German side Wolfsburg said to be considering a move for him.
Swiss outlet Blick claim that not only do Bruno Labbadia’s side fancy the full back, but that they could get him for as little as £5.3million, a staggeringly low sum for a player who has made huge strides since returning to his homeland.
This is the point when Newcastle should be looking to blow Wolfsburg out of the water. £5.3million is absolutely nothing for a Premier League club, even one run by the spendthrift Mike Ashley, and it’s certainly a massive bargain when you take Mbabu’s undeniable talent into consideration.
Besides, it’s not as if the Magpies are overly blessed with quality right backs. DeAndre Yedlin’s season has been more miss than hit, while Javier Manquillo is a back up at best at this level.
Mbabu, then, would instantly command a first team spot should he come back to St James’ Park. He’s everything this team needs, ferocious in his offensive sensibilities but dogged in his defensive duties. He is an ideal fit as a wing back in Rafael Benitez’s current defensive system, as well.
At just 23 years of age Mbabu fits with the club’s criteria of signing young players with high sell-on value, while he still has many years in which to improve before he really hits his peak.
The club erred when they shipped the Swiss star off originally, they cannot afford to get it wrong again. Benitez could get the Toon Army bouncing by bring Mbabu back where he belongs this summer.
