Go for it Rodgers – This £3m-rated Newcastle outcast is the man to strengthen Celtic’s backline

As per a report from the Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are looking to offload 23-year-old Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba in the summer.  

The Magpies, who had a solid finish to their Premier League campaign, see the centre-back as surplus to requirements at the club and manager Rafael Benitez will look to sell him this summer in order to generate some funds as he goes about strengthening his ranks. 

Mbemba had been on the radars of Scottish champions Celtic previously, who are understood to be in the market for a new centre-half. However, Brendan Rodgers’s side are set to face competition from Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim, who are reportedly set to make an offer for Mbemba.  

The £3million-rated centre-back joined Newcastle back in the summer of 2015 from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht and went on to have a solid debut season, despite the Tynesiders ending up getting relegated from the Premier League.

However, things have gone downhill for the DR Congo captain ever since, with manager Rafael Benitez consistently overlooking the defender, despite his impressive performances whenever a chance has been afforded.

The 23-year-old made just 13 appearances for the Magpies in the 2016/17 campaign, as they earned promotion to the Premier League.

In the recently concluded season, he featured only 11 times across all competitions with his last appearance coming way back in January, in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round fixture. 

Celtic may have once again claimed a domestic treble but their campaign was fraught with issues at the back. Apart from the young Kristoffer Ajer, none of the Hoops’ defenders was solid or consistent enough over the course of the season.

Both Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata struggled with injuries, while January imports Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper also haven’t made much of an impact either. 

The gap between Celtic and Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership table decreased from 30 points from last season to just 9 nine points, highlighting the fact that the Bhoys need to up their game next season, starting by strengthening their defensive ranks. 

Mbemba may not be the most attractive proposition for the fans but would go a long way in helping the Hoops shore up their defence. He may not have been able to get into Benitez’s plans this season but there is no doubt that he is a talented defender.   

The young defender proved himself in the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, when he was just 21 years of age and has done well each time he has been given a chance since then. Add to that, his ability to fill in at both full-back positions, as he has done a number of occasions for Newcastle, he will provide more options for Rodgers. 

At £3million, the Congolese would represent good value for many, considering his age and experience. The Hoops should act quickly to try and snap him up before Hoffenheim make a move.