---
title: "Newcastle United star to flee St. James’ Park for France"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-star-to-flee-st-james-park-for-france/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Prescott"
section: "Ligue 1 News"
published: "2014-08-28T20:00:24Z"
modified: "2014-08-28T20:00:24Z"
---

# Newcastle United star to flee St. James’ Park for France

![Yanga Mbiwa.jpg](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Mapou-Yanga-Mbiwa-500x360.jpg)Newcastle United fans in the Football Transfer Tavern may have seen the last of French international defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

According to [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/newcastle-defender-agrees-marseille-move-140828110546#psK51HkzwMYQgGdU.99), the 25-year old former Montpellier defender has agreed to join Ligue 1 giants Marseille although the two sides are yet to decide a fee.

The defender moved to St. James’ Park in January 2013 for a fee exceeding £8 million but he has to make an impact with the Magpies.

In fact, he has failed to make a single appearance this season after falling out of favour with Alan Pardew.

A move to Ligue 1 now seems certain and Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux and Lens have all been interested in signing him on a permanent deal.

But reports suggest that it is Marseille that have jumped to the front of the queue as they thrash out a deal with Newcastle’s representatives.

### **Toon Army fans. Are you disappointed that Yanga-Mbiwa failed to live up to the hype at St. James’ Park or should he still be given more time? Let us know your thoughts below.**

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