Chancel Mbemba left Porto after four years of playing for the Dragons in Portugal. However, he’ll still feature in the UEFA Champions League, having signed a three-year contract with French vice-champions Olympique de Marseille.The 27-year-old centre-back started his football journey with Anderlecht in Belgium before heading to England as an ambitious signing for Newcastle United in 2015. At the time, he was considered one of the most promising defenders in the game, having made his professional debut at 17. However, his three years in England proved troublesome as he never managed to hold down a first-team place. Three years later, he completed the move to FC Porto, where he found his groove again.Marseille have their William Saliba replacement: Chancel Mbemba has signed a contract through 2025 and joined on a free transfer.Glad to see Mbemba joining an ambitious side in Europe’s major leagues. His consistent improvement at Porto has paid off. pic.twitter.com/ak1h4aDQi0— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) July 15, 2022 The 66-times DR Congo international won two Liga Portugal titles and two national cups in his four years at Estadio Dragao. However, when his contract expired, the Portuguese giants decided against offering him a new deal.The strong defender arrives to Marseille during yet another transitional period at the French club. After a solid season under Jorge Sampaoli, the Argentinean coach left the club after the board failed to secure his desired transfer target. Ironically, Mbamba arrives to replace the now-departed William Saliba, who starred during his year-long loan from Arsenal. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6508416##Mbemba’s the third centre-back to join Marseille in this transfer window, following Isaak Toure and Samuel Gigot. Coach Igor Tudor and OM’s chef executive Pablo Longoria are hoping to secure the signing of right-back Jonathan Clauss from RC Lens.There’s never a dull moment at Velodrome.
