Xavier Mbuyamba, on Thursday 20th August 2020, became the latest signing for Chelsea, after signing from Barcelona.
The Dutchman, Xavier Mbuyamba signed a three-year deal with the Blues, after leaving Barcelona earlier this summer after verbally agreeing to move to Stamford Bridge.
The teenager has been compared to Virgil van Dijk for his calmness in possession and at 6ft5 the defender already possesses the physicality to play in the Premier League.
Frank Lampard has made strengthening his defence a priority and the club announced on Thursday evening that Mbuyamba has arrived from the Camp Nou.
‘Chelsea Football Club can also confirm the signing of Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona,’ a statement read.
‘The 18-year-old signed a professional contract at Cobham earlier this week and will join our development squad ahead of preparations for the new campaign.
‘A Dutch Under-19 international, Mbuyamba is a tall right-footed central defender who enjoys playing with the ball at his feet and is equally as strong in the air. He joined his local team MVV Maastrict as an Under-9 and progressed through the age groups before signing at the Nou Camp last summer.
‘After being watched closely by the Blues, the Dutchman has made the switch to west London, committing himself to the club until at least 2023.’
The defender will go straight into Chelsea’s academy side for the upcoming campaign but he will no doubt be looking to impress in order to make the step-up to the first team.
Given the congested fixture list next term, it’s likely that Lampard will rotate for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, meaning that could be Mbuyamba’s best chance of making a first-team debut.
Chelsea have already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner this summer but Lampard wants to make at least two further signings. Kai Havertz, the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker, is the club’s next priority and Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell remains first choice at left-back.