It is no secret that Celtic want to sign a centre-back this summer. The Hoops have never really been able to replace Carl Starfelt since he left in the summer of 2023 to join Celta Vigo. Since then, the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki, Nat Phillips, Auston Trusty and more have been brought to take his spot alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers but nobody has really succeeded.
This summer, we have seen Celtic sign Hayato Inamura. The Japanese defender is being considered as a long-term project rather than someone who can come in and immediately make an impact on the team.
Other than Inamura, Celtic have also been linked with players like Justin de Haas and Etienne Youte. With both close to two meters tall, it is pretty clear that the Hoops are looking to add some size in that position. Could that lead to them reigniting their interest in a centre-back there have been heavily linked with in the past?
Back in the summer of 2023, Celtic were believed to be very interested in signing Xavier Mbuyamba. While coming up through the youth system at both FC Barcelona and Chelsea, he was considered the 'next Virgil van Dijk'. Of course, that is someone the Hoops know well.
Fabrizio Romano drops news on Celtic-linked centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba
The latest update from Fabrizio Romano could be good news for Celtic in this regard. As reported by the Italian journalist, Volendam have opened the door to Mbuyamba's departure after the former Chelsea defender refused to extend his current contract. English clubs are keen while he is also on the radar of Rangers and Gent.
It remains to be seen if Celtic are still interested in a move for Mbuyamba. If they are, then he could be available for a bargain fee of €500,000. And there are few things that the Hoops love more than a good deal.
Of course, it is very possible that Celtic are no longer monitoring the Dutch defender. He has been a consistent performer for Volendam though and helped them earn promotion to the Eredivisie by winning the second division last season.