Official: Chelsea sign Xavier Mbuyamba who is dubbed as ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’

Chelsea have signed Xavier Mbuyamba on a free transfer from Barcelona’s academy La Masia. The Blues are believed to have beaten a host of clubs to secure Mbuyamba’s services.

According to the report, he was being tracked by Chelsea scouts since he was 16. The Catalan club released him from his contract because they didn’t consider him to be good enough to play first-team football but Mbuyamba was desperate to feature with a number on his back.

As per chelseafc.com, he is listed as an academy player and has committed to the club until 2023.

The 6’5” pacey center-back is dubbed as the next Virgil van Dijk by pundits and his acquaintances.

His signature on Chelsea’s letterhead was confirmed through their official website.

“A Dutch Under-19 international, Mbuyamba is a tall, athletic right-footed central defender who enjoys playing with the ball at his feet and is equally as strong in the air,” it said.

Mbuyamba is not a player who would fast-track to the first team this season but his potential is unreal. Recently, the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham have all broke into the first team and look comfortable. The same could be said for Xavier Mbuyamba in a couple of years’ time.