Chelsea have announced that former Barcelona centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba has signed a three-year contract at with the club.
The 18-year-old has recently become a free agent after being released by Barcelona.
“Chelsea Football Club can also confirm the signing of Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona,” the official statement reads.
“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.
“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.”
According to the previous report from Goal, Blaugrana initially placed a €2 million (£1.8m) but then the decision to release the teenager was made after the club requested he took a 50 percent wage cut amid the coronavirus pandemic.
That was not the only reported issue.
Having previously trained with Barcelona’s first-team, Mbuyamba was reportedly disappointed after hearing he would only become a back-up for Barcelona B heading for the 2020/21.
The Netherlands U-19s star has now made the decision to leave Barcelona and join Chelsea.
Back in May, his agent Carlos Barros opened up about an attractive offer from Chelsea.
He told Dutch outlet Voetbal International: “Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier.
“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.”
The agent also pointed out that Chelsea believe the defender could become a first-team member in one or two years.
“Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to play with young players,” he added.
The centre-back stands at 6ft 4ins (1.95m) and is notoriously 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.
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