Newcastle United are reportedly looking to sign Lyon defender Jason Denayer on a free transfer – and it appears Lyon have found a replacement, in the form of a player Rafa Benitez sold in 2018; Chancel Mbemba.
The Chronicle reported towards the end of February that 26-year-old Denayer is a player Newcastle want to sign – despite previously playing for Sunderland on loan. He is out of contract at Lyon at the end of the season.
Now, Lyon have found their replacement – in the form of Mbemba. A player that managed just 59 outings in three years at Newcastle before Benitez cashed in for just £5.5million (ESPN). Like Denayer, his deal ends in June.
But! Football Club claim – as per GFFN – that Lyon are considering a move for Porto’s Mbemba as a replacement for Denayer. He has been much improved at Porto, playing 128 times for the Portuguese side since 2018.
Mbemba could replace Newcastle target Denayer at Lyon
While Mbemba does not help Newcastle in their pursuit of Denayer, given their current contract situations, it does suggest that Lyon are already planning on life without Denayer – instead of trying to extend his contract.
It suits all parties. Denayer, as per the Chronicle, wants to return to the north east of England at Newcastle and Lyon need a replacement. Given they are losing him for nothing, Mbemba on a free makes sense.
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