As the transfer window approaches, speculation is beginning to mount over which Premier League clubs will do major business this summer.
But with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic hitting hard, there could be more emphasis than ever on shrewd, cheaper deals and an investment in youth rather than big-name stars.
Chelsea’s philosophy has already shifted markedly in that direction since Frank Lampard’s arrival in the Stamford Bridge dugout a year ago, and now the Blues are confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Barcelona defender Xavier Mbuyamba.
Here’s everything you need to know about him…
Career
Mbuyamba spent the majority of his youth career at Dutch outfit MMV Maastricht, making his debut in a second-tier Eerste Divisie game in November 2018 as a 16-year-old.
He went on to make a further ten league appearances during the 2018/19 season, at the end of which he actually spent time on trial at Chelsea, but the Blues could not sign him because of their transfer ban.
“At Chelsea, I started the week in under-18s and trained with under-23s at the end of the week,” he told The Sun.
“The higher the level, the better I got. I would have actually gone to Chelsea, because they were the first to come.”
Instead, he signed for Barcelona last summer and has been a part of their U19 side this season, also making three appearances in the group stage of the Uefa Youth League.
Playing style
A Dutch youth international, Mbuyamba has unsurprisingly been compared to Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
At six-foot-four he certainly has the physical stature and presence in the air, but, as to be expected of a player signed by Barcelona, is also good on the ball.
While centre-half is his preferred position, he also proved an able deputy at right-back during his time at MMV.
Will a deal happen?
Yes. Chelsea finally confirmed the signing of Mbuyamba on August 20 after months of speculation.
Speaking earlier this year, Mbuyamba said his intention was to stay at Barcelona next season, moving up to their B team and hoping to train with the senior squad.
“I have a four-year contract and I like life here,” he said. “Living on my own is going great. I’m going to do everything I can to succeed here.”
However, the player’s agent, Carlos Barros, has suggested otherwise. He told The Mail that a lack of more senior opportunities at the Nou Camp meant his client could move on, with Chelsea seemingly in pole position.
“Chelsea gave a fantastic presentation,” he said. “There is a unique football atmosphere there. You immediately sit with the first-team players during lunch and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.
“They really think that in one to two years, he can be in the first team. Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to play with young players. Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of 20 would, of course, be great.”
With reported interest from Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus, the Blues appear to have pulled off a transfer coup to nab the youngster.
