'Next Virgil van Dijk' who signed for Chelsea in 2020 - and where he is now
Xavier Mbuyamba is a name that will have Chelsea fans questioning what could have been.
The Dutchman arrived in West London in 2020 under the stewardship of Frank Lampard. His move to Stamford Bridge brought to an end a long and complicated pursuit.
Mbuyamba kicked off his career within the youth system of boyhood club MVV Maastricht. He became the club’s youngest-ever at the age of 16 and earned comparisons to countryman Virgil van Dijk.
His form saw Europe’s biggest clubs in Europe take notice including Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid. Chelsea also made a move for him after a trial but due to a transfer ban limiting their movement at the time, they were unable to get a deal over the line.
Mbuyamba eventually moved to Barcelona. He was not in Spain for very long as the Blues - now free to sign players - moved again for his services and this time, they secured his signature.
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Speaking at the time, his agent Carlos Barros said: “Chelsea have the best papers. Of course we discussed this extensively last year. Chelsea gave a fantastic presentation.
“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.”
Chelsea eventually managed to get a deal over the line for Xavier Mbuyamba (Getty Images)Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
In all, the Dutch defender made 33 appearances for the Blues under-23 side during his time in England. He was also invited to train with the first team by Lampard’s successor Thomas Tuchel.
Expressing his delight on Twitter, he wrote: "A moment I’ve been working towards since joining this incredible club. Truly blessed to be training with the first team this week. Lots to learn, and my motivation is on another level right now!”
Unfortunately for Mbuyamba, he did not enjoy the best of stints with Chelsea. His time at the club was curtailed through injury before he was allowed to return to his homeland with Volendam in 2022.
He has made 37 appearances and scored five goals for the side since then. Talking through his Chelsea exit, the defender said: “Thank you @ChelseaFC. It’s been a pleasure to represent this club, make new friends, experience life in London and train with some of the best players in the world.
“Unfortunately it didn’t quite go to plan, following 2 surgeries and more challenges, but I’ve learn a lot to take into the next chapter of my career. Thanks to everyone who made me feel at home. The fans, the players and staff. I wish you all the best this season and beyond!”
Mbuyamba continues to garner admiring glances. Celtic were linked with a move for him earlier this season - having previously tempted Van Dijk to British shores - but it appears that he wasn’t totally convinced.
Mbuyamba currently plays for Dutch side Volendam (Getty Images)“The transfer window is not over yet and there are clubs who are interested, I don’t deny that”, he said as reported by Glasgow Times. “But for now I just focus on FC Volendam.
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“I’m not going to name any clubs who want me, but of course, it has to be a good step up. I’m not going to a comparable club or make a very small step upwards. But I don’t necessarily want to go abroad. The Netherlands would be good for me.”
Mbuyamba has just a year remaining on his current deal with Volendam so looks likely to be on the move again, but Chelsea will still be left thinking what could have been had they held onto him for just a little longer.
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