Chelsea have confirmed the signing of youth prospect Zavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona, with the 18-year-old signing a three-year deal.
The central defender was without a club after the end of his contract at the Nou Camp, and will initially join the club’s development squad as part of his development at the club.
Chelsea were said to be interested in the transfer last summer, but were prevented from making a move for the defender due to the transfer ban imposed on the club.
The teenager instead joined Barcelona, where he played for the club’s U19 side, making four appearances in the UEFA Youth League for the Spanish giants.
He started his career in his native Netherlands with MW Maastricht Youth.
Mbuyamba has also made one appearance for the U19 Netherlands team, playing the full 90 minutes of the 3-3 draw with Mexico back in November.
The defender has been referred to as the ‘new Van Dijk’, standing at 6 foot 5in with a composed style similar to that of the Liverpool star.
In a statement on their official website, Chelsea confirmed the signing.
“Chelsea Football Club can also confirm the signing of Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona. 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,” they wrote.
“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.”
