Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the signing of Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona.
The 18-year-old defender signed a professional contract at Cobham earlier this week and will join our development squad ahead of preparations for the new campaign.
The young centre-back departed Barcelona this summer after cancelling his contract at the Nou Camp.
Mbuyamba is a tall right-footed central defender and can play with the ball at his feet and is equally as strong in the air.
Mbuyamba progressed through the age groups having joined his local team MVV Maastrict as an Under-9, 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.
Mbuyamba, who has been dubbed ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’, trained with Chelsea last year but Chelsea couldn’t push through for a deal due to the transfer ban. The 18-year-old Dutch youngster left Barcelona after only one year, citing a lack of game time at the Nou Camp for his exit.