Celtic are always on the lookout for good players to strengthen their squad and they have done a great job at it during the time of Ange Postecoglou as manager. With rumours linking Stephen Welsh with an exit in the summer and question marks over their cover at the back, the Hoops could do with another centre-back. Could Xavier Mbuyamba be the player to solve their issues.
Mbuyamba has spent time at two of the best academies in world football, Barcelona and Chelsea. He was not able to make it at either club though, despite being very highly rated and having earned comparisons with Virgil van Dijk for his size and style of play.
Mbuyamba currently finds himself at Dutch Eredivisie side, FC Volendam. He has done a great job there. And that has seen him being linked with moves to a number of clubs.
As reported by Sky Sports, Celtic and Watford are among the clubs looking to sign Mbuyamba. Ajax and AZ Alkmaar are interested in signing the Dutch centre-back as well.
Mbuyamba sends clear message amid Celtic links
Despite all of the rumours linking him with a move away, the Dutchman seems to be only interested in leaving his current team if it is the right move. At the same time though, it is quite clear that he sees himself leaving FC Volendam in the future.
As reported by Football Scotland, Mbuyamba said about his situation:
"“My agent is in the Netherlands. Soon, we will discuss what is going on.“There will be interest. But the main question is whether a move is right for me. If not, then I will stay. I have said that I will stay with FC Volendam for a maximum of two years, and this is the first season.“This was my first year in men’s football. I played in everything, showed that I can perform well and stayed fit.“That’s great. I can’t complain about my performance.”"
Mbuyamba is a supreme talent without doubt. And he could be an excellent addition to this current Celtic backline.
They seem to lack a bit of physicality in defence, when Cameron Carter-Vickers is not playing. Someone like Mbuyamba would solve that issue immediately. Also, if Welsh leaves, the club will be in need of another centre-back. Of course, with amount of interest in the Dutch defender’s signature, it will not be easy to sign him.