If there’s one player who was left disappointed because of Chelsea’s last summer transfer ban, then it’s Xavier Mbuyamba.
The Blues were interested in the 18-year-old when he was representing second division Dutch club MVV Maastricht, but their transfer ban resulted in the centre-back joining Barcelona.
Voetbal International now claims the Netherlands U19 international has informed the Catalan club he would ‘like a new challenge’ next season.
He believes ‘unrest’ at the Camp Nou makes it difficult for him to make a jump to their first team.
“The ambiguity is enormous. A new presidential election is coming and it could be that many new people will join the board. Politically it is very restless and sporting wise, there is a lot of division,” Mbuyamba’s agent Carlos Barros told VI.
“If you see that even Ansu Fati can be loaned out… How should you break through as a talent?”
“Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier. Real Madrid is also there, they are serious about their education, but that would of course be a sensitive switch,” he explained.
“Juventus and Inter are interested, as are top clubs from Germany and England. Chelsea have the best credentials. Of course, we discussed this extensively last year.”
Frank Lampard’s work with youngsters at Stamford Bridge could be a reason for Mbuyamba’s motivation to join the west London club.
“They gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there. During lunch you are immediately with the first team players and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier,” Barros stressed.
“They really think that in one to two years, he can be a starter in the first team. Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to start young players. Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of twenty would of course be great.”
On the possibility of returning to the Netherlands, Barros said: “Ajax is actually the only club in the Netherlands that can compete financially against those top clubs, but you don’t just play there and a switch from Barça B to Jong Ajax is not an option for Xavier.
“In that respect, AZ is a more logical choice, they are the most concrete in the Netherlands. FC Utrecht have a partnership with Barcelona and could also be an option. In that case it would be a loan deal.”
