VfL Wolfsburg have made their first new signing for the coming season after completing a deal for Switzerland right-back Kevin Mbabu. The 24-year-old, who will wear the number 19 shirt, joins the Wolves from Swiss Super League champions BSC Young Boys on a four-year contract until 2023. The clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.
"I know the importance of the number 19 shirt"
"Kevin Mbabu made a very positive impression on us when we scouted him and reinforced that impression during our discussions with him," said VfL Managing Director Jörg Schmadtke. "He's particularly strong and quick, and he's a player who will fit in well at VfL Wolfsburg as a footballer and as a person."
"I'm really looking forward to this new challenge and the adventure in the Bundesliga," said Mbabu after completing his medical on Thursday. "The facilities at the club are ideal for me to keep improving as a footballer at a high level. I obviously know the importance of the number 19 shirt, which Junior Malanda wore. It's a big honour for me to wear that number. It goes without saying that it gives me extra motivation to give my all and earn the right to wear the shirt."
Swiss Super League champion
Born in Chêne-Bougeries in Switzerland, Mbabu took his first steps as a footballer in the youth team of second-division club Servette FC. After making the breakthrough to the first team, he went on to play for Newcastle United’s Under-23 side before being handed his first-team debut at the club by former VfL boss Steve McClaren.
After just three Premier League appearances in three seasons, as well as a short loan spell at Scottish record champions Rangers, Mbabu returned home in 2016 to sign for Swiss Super League side Young Boys, who finished second in his first season at the club. The defender played a key role in helping the Bern-based club win back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.
Mbabu, who has represented Switzerland at every level from U16 through to the full national team, has won four caps for the UEFA Nations League finalists to date. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Young Boys so far this season, including seven UEFA Champions League outings. He scored his only goal of the campaign against Dinamo Zagreb in the play-off first leg last August.
