Xavier Mbuyamba: Chelsea confirm signing of highly-rated Barcelona starlet on three-year deal

Matt Davies20 August 2020

Chelsea have completed the signing of Barcelona centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba on a three-year deal.

The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, signed a professional contract with the club earlier this week and will now join the development squad ahead of the new campaign.

Mbuyama underwent a trial with the Blues in the 2018/19 season but was unable to sign at the time due to the club's transfer ban.

Instead, after spending the majority of his youth career at Dutch outfit MVV Maastricht, Mbuyamba signed for Barcelona last summer and featured for their Under-19 side while also making three appearances in the Uefa Youth League group stage.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also confirmed that forward Izzy Brown has joined Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the 2020/21 season.

Brown signed for Chelsea in 2013 at the age of 17 and spent last season in the Championship with Luton, who finished in 19th place.

Izzy Brown in action for Luton against Swansea in the Championship
Getty Images

The 23-year-old made his debut for Chelsea back in the 2014/15 season but has spent the majority of his career out on loan, with spells spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Rotherham United, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United and Luton Town.

The forward will join Gary Monk's Sheffield Wednesday side, who will start the Championship season with a 12-point deduction after the EFL ruled they had breached financial fair play rules.