Chelsea sign 18-year-old Dutch centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona

Chelsea confirm signing of 18-year-old centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona as Dutch youngster compared to Virgil van Dijk signs three-year deal

  • Chelsea have completed the signing of 18-year-old defender Xavier Mbuyamba
  • The centre-back, a Holland Under-19 international, joins from Barcelona 
  • Mbuyamba, who is comfortable in possession, has been likened to Virgil van Dijk 

Chelsea have completed the signing of 18-year-old defender Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona.

The centre-back will go into Chelsea’s development squad and has signed a three-year contract, as reported by the club’s official website.  

Having previously been at MVV Maastricht, where he made eleven senior appearances, Mbuyamba made the switch to Barcelona last year. 

Chelsea have completed the signing of defender Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona

Chelsea have completed the signing of defender Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona

Mbuyamba joined Chelsea after growing frustrated with his lack of game time at Barcelona

Mbuyamba joined Chelsea after growing frustrated with his lack of game time at Barcelona

Although he featured in the UEFA Youth League, the prospect didn’t play as much as he envisaged, which prompted his departure.   

Comfortable in possession and dominant aerially, Mbuyamba has been compared to his compatriot Virgil van Dijk.

Capped by the Holland at Under 19 level, he will hope to make a significant impact for Chelsea at youth level this campaign.

Mbuyamba will certainly be encouraged that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard gave many opportunities to a host of youngsters last season, with the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham featuring prominently.    

The new signing could be in action in the Leasing.com Trophy, with Chelsea Under-21s to take on Bristol Rovers, Oxford United and Walsall in the group stages. He will also hoped to be involved with the first-team in some capacity. 

Mbuyamba, who has been likened to Virgil van Dijk, will go into Chelsea's development squad

Mbuyamba, who has been likened to Virgil van Dijk, will go into Chelsea’s development squad

source: dailymail.co.uk