It looks as though Chancel Mbemba’s transfer to Porto is very close to being finalised. Shields Gazette reporter Miles Starforth has revealed a £7m transfer will be confirmed “in the coming days.”
The Congolese international has already agreed a four-year contract to move to Portugal, but the switch has taken a while to get over the line.
Mbemba’s sale should free up some much-needed transfer funds for Rafa Benitez, with the sales of Mikel Merino to Real Sociedad (£10m+) and Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham (£20m) also adding to the coffers.
Our current no.18 has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular since his arrival from Anderlecht three years ago. He has made just 59 appearances during that time, with the player only playing 11 matches in all competitions last season.
We signed the centre-back for £8m back in 2015 so it looks as though we will make a slight loss on his sale.