According to Sky Sports, Fulham are now pursuing a £10m deal to sign Kevin Mbabu – the former Newcastle United full-back who’s caught the eye in Switzerland since leaving St James’ Park last summer.
It also looks like they’re finally going to secure the signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic too, with reports in London suggesting today that he’s now ‘closing in’ on a £20m move – claiming he’ll sign once he returns from holiday.
Back to Mbabu. The right-back made just five appearances for us and, despite showing real promise during the odd chance he was given, Benitez allowed him to leave for Swiss giants BSC Young Boys this time last year.
Since returning to Switzerland he’s made a real name for himself, helping Young Boys to their first league title in over 30 years and almost earning a place in Switzerland’s World Cup squad after 2 goals and 8 assists during the 2017/18 season.
As a result, it looks like he may have earned himself a move back to the Premier League, with Sky’s North East correspondent Keith Downie confirming Fulham’s interest this morning:
Newcastle outcast Kevin Mbabu is being chased by Fulham & FC Basel. The Young Boys defender is valued by his club at £10m after a storming year in Switzerland. Last season Mbabu helped Young Boys claim the Swiss league title for the first time in 32 years.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 18, 2018
Another one we may live to regret letting go?
It wasn’t working for him at the time and he may have been homesick, so it’s easy to say in hindsight, but he did always look like a player who may have had what it takes to cut it in English football.
Fast, strong, aggressive and a typical modern day full-back – and perhaps Fulham’s new right-back if they’re prepared to pay £10m.
Intetesting. I always rated this lad and thought he could have made it with Newcastle.
Shamrock(Quote)