Portugal
Porto sign Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba from Newcastle
The talented central defender signed a four-year deal with the Portuguese champions.
Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba has left Newcastle United for Portuguese champions Porto on a four-year deal.
The 23-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo international made 59 appearances for the Magpies, scoring once, after joining the team from Anderlecht in 2015.
He has now ended a frustrating stint at Tyneside, where he was only featured on 21 league games over the last two seasons.
No financial details were disclosed by the clubs, however, British media reports that Newcastle will recieve about €8m million for the defender.
Mbemba could be lined up against his former teammates as soon as Saturday, when the sides face each other in a preseason friendly in Portugal.
‘A great happiness for me’ - Mbemba
Talking to Porto’s official website, the talented defender said: ‘I’m going to do my best in this jersey. It’s a great happiness for me.
‘Everyone knows FC Porto, a great club.
‘I remember being in Africa and seeing FC Porto win the Champions League and I remember the great players that have come here. I’m very happy to sign for FC Porto.’
Mbemba becomes the fourth player to leave Newcastle this summer, after the departures of Mikel Merino, Jesus Gomez and Massadio Haidaira.