Kevin Mbabu made just three Premier League appearances for Newcastle United before Rafael Benitez let him go.
Kevin Mbabu made just three Premier League appearances in four seasons at Newcastle United. But even in that short time on the pitch, the Swiss defender showed the sort of quality and potential that had many tipping him for a bright future on Tyneside.
Mbabu certainly stood out during a superb performance in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea in September 2015, filling in at left-back to great effect while keeping the world renowned talents of Pedro and Eden Hazard on the periphery throughout.
So why Rafa Benitez decided to sell him to Young Boys in 2017 remains a mystery. To make matters worse, the 24-year-old went from strength to strength in Switzerland, inspiring Young Boys to their first league title in 32 years.
Now, he has sealed a return to one of Europe’s major leagues, joining Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg for a fee of £8 million, according to Sky Sports – a far bigger sum than Newcastle sold him for.
And it would be no exaggeration to suggest that Mbabu would stroll into Newcastle’s starting XI these days, given the lack of genuine quality in both full-back positions. Benitez may be a hero on Tyneside but this is one decision he won’t be remembered fondly for.
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