Chancel Mbemba could return to RSC Anderlecht on loan just eighteen months after leaving the Belgian outfit for Newcastle United, according to reports from HLN.
Mbemba made a successful start to life on Tyneside, making 33 Premier League appearances in his debut season – missing five as a result of a malleolar injury sustained in January.
His second season, however, has been a stark contrast. Game time has been limited for young Chancel as Rafa Benitez prefer to select the Championship experienced pairing of Ciaran Clark and captain Jamaal Lascelles – who boast over 100 Championship appearances between them.
After starting five of Newcastle’s opening six league games, Mbemba lost his place in the first-team after a disappointing performance in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves in September. Benitez handed Mbemba another chance against Blackburn two months on, but the 22-year-old failed to grasp his opportunity.
Newcastle would be reluctant to allow Mbemba to depart from St James’ Park this winter, but The Chronicle say the move is possible – provided a replacement can be signed first. The report goes on to state if a move does not materialise this window, a summer move could be on the cards if the player’s form does not improve.
Another Newcastle player has also emerged as a January target for Anderlecht, Belgian stopper Matz Sels – who, like Mbemba, has fallen out-of-favour under Benitez. The decision to allow Sels to leave on loan may not prove as unpopular amongst the fans as letting Mbemba leave.
