Newcastle United’s surprise breakout star Kevin Mbabu has revealed that he came close to leaving St James’ Park this summer.
Following a successful trial, Mbabu joined the Magpies from Swiss club Servette for an undisclosed fee in January, 2013, but the inexperienced youngster failed to make a competitive senior appearance during his first two years on Tyneside.
Newcastle were looking to enhance Mbabu’s development by sending him out on loan at the beginning of this campaign, however, injuries to key defensive personnel meant that the versatile Swiss starlet was plucked from obscurity and unceremoniously thrust into Steve McClaren’s first-team squad.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Mbabu admits that he expected to be leaving the club:
In pre-season going on loan was in my mind, yes. I stayed and I think it has been a good choice because I have been given a chance to work with the first team.
After making his maiden United appearance as a second-half substitute in September’s Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, Mbabu was handed his full debut in the Magpies clash with Premier League Champions Chelsea the following week.
Despite being asked to deputise in the wholly unfamiliar left back role against World Cup winning winger Pedro, the cool-headed Swiss defender was completely unfazed by his unenviable task.
Mbabu performed magnificently to help Newcastle earn a hard-fought point against Jose Mourinho’s side – and rightly earned the acclaim of the Toon Army following his remarkable performance.
An unfortunate hamstring injury, coupled with the return of United’s first-choice left back Paul Dumett, means that the Switzerland youth international has failed to establish himself in McClaren’s team following his outstanding debut display.
However, with his Newcastle contract running out this summer, Mbabu is desperate to earn a new deal with the Magpies – and the 20-year-old hopes that he gets the opportunity to showcase his talent between now and the end of the season.
Maybe I will be on the bench in the next few weeks. But I am working hard every day. I want to show the manager what I can do and I want a chance. I’m ready.
