Rafael Benitez and Newcastle United enjoyed their return to the Premier League, finishing in the 10th place to cement their spot in the top-half of the table. The Magpies also ended their season in style with a 3-0 win against Chelsea at St.James Park.
Now, to strengthen the squad further, Benitez must acquire new recruitments this summer. Newcastle are yet to make any new signings besides completing a permanent deal for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. But one of their long-serving players might exit the club.
Chancel Mbemba has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with Portuguese giants FC Porto. The Congolese international made just 9 appearances in the Premier League last season and has found regular game time hard to come by – particularly due to the presence of Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles.
A move to Porto would also allow the defender to play in the Champions League, making it quite likely for the deal to go through. Nevertheless, football is football, and there is always someone who can come in for another. Hence, here are two players the Magpies could replace Mbemba with.
Ahmed Hegazi (West Bromwich Albion)
The Egyptian international was one West Brom’s better performers last season. If you look at it from his perspective, he enjoyed a great debut season in the Premier League. The 27-year-old defender made the move to the English top-flight from Egyptian club Al Ahly and he managed to settle in seamlessly.
It’s not easy to play in the Premier League without a lot of experience and yet Hegazi defied all odds to come out on top. The defender also enjoyed a superb start to his career with the Baggies, scoring a goal on his debut to clinch a 1-0 win against Bournemouth. Hegazi also played in every single game for West Brom, scoring 2 goals across the campaign.
The defender recorded an average of 7.2 clearances in the league last season. More often than not, he seems to be in control and Rafa Benitez should certainly try to sign him.
Gianmarco Ferrari (Sampdoria)
The Italian enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Sampdoria last season, making 30 appearances in the Serie A, scoring 2 goals in the process. Newcastle are reportedly tracking the player and hope to sign a deal in the coming days.
The Italians are not part of this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, which makes it easier for the deal to get done. The addition of Ferrari would certainly provide healthy competition to the likes of Ciaran Clarke, Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune.
At 26 years of age, Ferrari displayed a lot of top qualities last season. He registered a total of 4.8 clearances in the Serie A and his tenacity and work-rate make him a top-class player.
