Newcastle officially announced the signing of Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba to a five-year contract after the Democratic Republic of Congo international received a Governing Body Endorsement from the FA to receive a visa to play in the Premier League.
"I'm very, very happy to be here," Mbemba told the club website. "This is the biggest league in the world and I'm very proud to wear the shirt for this team and play in this league. I'm going to do everything I can to help make the supporters happy, to help out my teammates and to bring something extra to the team. I know the team very well. I've watched the Premier League and I know this is a massive team with big players and with a great coach. I've come here to Newcastle United because it's a very good move in my career to play for such a famous club. I am excited for the season ahead."
The 20-year-old becomes the second Anderlecht transfer of the month for Newcastle after the club signed forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. Mbemba brings Champions League experience with him to Tyneside after the centre-half played in all six of the club's fixtures last season.
"We are delighted that Chancel is now a Newcastle United player after it took a little longer than we had hoped," manager Steve McClaren said. "He is a proven performer at the highest level, he's powerful, combative and will add quality to our defence. He also has an eye for goal which is an extra asset for us. We will get him integrated into the squad quickly once he is with us. Unfortunately, due to the time it takes to process the visa application that won't be in time for our final friendly on Saturday, but our focus will be to make sure he will be ready and available as soon as possible."
