Real Madrid could snap up a talented youth player from their biggest rival as Barcelona are set to let Xavier Mbuyamba leave for free this summer. Express claims that Chelsea are keen to sign the starlet from the Catalans with Real also interested.
Earlier Sport had revealed that the defender has a contract with Barcelona till 2023, but the Cules could ask him to leave this summer itself as they believe that there is no space for the youngster in their youth team. Regarded as one of the most promising defenders of the next generation, Real would have a gem on their hand if they can bring him to Madrid.
Who is Xavier Mbuyamba?
The Dutch footballer was signed by Barcelona last summer from MVV Maastricht, and straight away he was sent to the youth set up. A centre-back by trade, the Dutch footballer has been compared to Virgil van Dijk often, and much of his attributes match the Liverpool star.
Earlier Chelsea were in contention to sign this young player, but a transfer ban made it impossible for the London club to get their man, who ultimately left for Barca. A versatile defender, Mbuyamba can play in the right-back position as well. Those who have seen him play talks about his pace and ability to make forward runs. He is extremely good with the ball at his feet, and that helps him to sprint ahead, helping his side in the attack. The 18-year-old is a relatively large physical specimen, and he uses his stature to the fullest. He does not need to get physical while making challenges and can excel while clearing the ball.
He is held in high regards by many, and his agent has said that a lot of the European clubs are vying for his signature. In his words, “Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier. Real Madrid are also there, they are serious about their youth system, but that would, of course, be a sensitive switch.”
What should Real Madrid do?
Players like van Dijk have proved that it is extremely difficult for the sides to get their hands on the best defenders of the world when they are at their peak. Scouting them and paying the big bucks is not what the clubs like to do for a centre-back and thus the viable option for the teams is to rope in a talented youngster who can develop at later years to become the very best.
Mbuyamba is perfect in that respect as he has time on his side to conquer the world and being at a club like Real Madrid would further boost his talents. The Madrid based team, on their behalf, have to identify their replacement for Sergio Ramos and in the Dutch wonder-kid, they may finally have a viable option.
