There have been some weird Rangers switch tales over time, though arguably probably the most memorable from Ibrox was that of the notorious ‘Newcastle 5’, with the Glasgow outfit having loaned in 5 gamers from Newcastle United on deadline day again in February 2015.
Then within the second tier of Scottish soccer, the Previous Agency giants had turned to the Magpies with a view to assist increase their hopes of promotion, utilising the membership’s connections with Mike Ashley to assist safe that raft of latest additions.
That swoop finally backfired as few of these new arrivals have been capable of make an affect – largely resulting from lack of health or damage – with promising full-back Kevin Mbabu, in addition to midfielder Gael Bigirimana, failing to even make an look over the subsequent few months.
The previous Servette man – who had been signed by the Tynesiders after a profitable trial again in 2013 – was unable to power his manner into the first-team reckoning regardless of the Gers’ struggles of their makes an attempt to return to the highest flight, admitting his bemusement at not being handed an opportunity:
“A brand new supervisor got here up in together with his personal concepts and I didn’t even play a sport and even make the bench. I don’t know why.”
Because the 6-foot ace alluded to, the departure of supervisor Kenny McDowall in March 2015 – and the next arrival of Stuart McCall – did little to assist his trigger with reference to sport time, as he made his return to St James’ Park on the finish of the season having solely been restricted to outings within the reserves.
Mbabu has since gone on to show his price within the years since, with the Scottish giants probably left to rue their incapability to get the promising right-back on the pitch at senior degree.
Whereas the 22-cap gem was unable to safe a daily function after returning to his dad or mum membership – making simply 5 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League outfit – he has since impressed throughout spells in his native Switzerland and in Germany.
A transfer to BSC Younger Boys – initially on mortgage – in 2016 proved significantly fruitful for the gifted ace as he went on to supply 21 purpose contributions in 101 video games for the membership in all competitions, successful two league titles in that point and being named Swiss Footballer of the Yr in 2018.
That kind – which noticed him lauded as a “excellent participant” by teaching legend Jose Mourinho – sparked an £8m transfer to Bundesliga aspect Wolfsburg in 2019, whereas he solely not too long ago accomplished a £6.4m change to Fulham within the latest window.
Such charges are a marker of the 27-year-old’s rise since being on the periphery at Ibrox seven years in the past, with the dynamic ace having additionally turn out to be a key determine on the worldwide stage, that includes in all 5 of his nation’s video games at Euro 2020.
A strong performer who presents actual attacking intent – as he notably ranks within the prime 1% for dribbles accomplished amongst these in his place throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues – Mbabu has absolutely left the Gers ruing their earlier mistake with reference to his lack of motion on the membership.