Celtic are reportedly setting their sights on former Chelsea youth player Xavier Mbuyamba, as the club seeks to bolster its defensive ranks ahead of the new season.[MailPlus]
The 21-year-old Dutchman, currently with Volendam, is expected to leave this summer, with Celtic among the clubs vying for his signature.
The Hoops are currently facing a defensive conundrum, with several key players either injured or linked with moves away from the club. Cameron Carter-Vickers is sidelined with an injury, while speculation continues to surround the future of Carl Starfelt.
Yuki Kobayashi, another defensive option, is potentially injured after going over his ankle in the recent match against Yokohama F. Marinos and had to be substituted.
Furthermore, Stephen Welsh has been linked with a move to Wigan, further depleting Celtic’s defensive options.
At the back end of last season, Tomoki Iwata was played at the back by Ange Postecoglou.
Mbuyamba’s potential arrival could provide a much-needed boost to Celtic’s backline. The Dutch defender, who spent time in Chelsea’s youth setup, has gained a reputation as a promising talent with his performances for Volendam. His combination of physicality, technical skills, and understanding of the game make him an attractive prospect for clubs across Europe.
Celtic’s interest in Mbuyamba has echoes of the club’s successful acquisition of Virgil Van Dijk in 2013. Like Mbuyamba, Van Dijk was a promising Dutch defender when he joined Celtic. He went on to become a key player for the Hoops before earning a move to Southampton and later Liverpool, where he has established himself as one of the world’s best defenders.
While it’s too early to predict whether Mbuyamba could emulate Van Dijk’s success, his potential signing certainly has a similar feel to it. If Celtic can secure his signature amid competition from other clubs, it could prove to be a significant coup for the Hoops.
As Celtic fans await further developments, the prospect of Mbuyamba joining the club offers a glimmer of hope amid the current defensive concerns. With his talent and potential, Mbuyamba could be the defensive reinforcement that Celtic needs for the upcoming season.
