Crystal Palace and Chelsea are now ready to submit bids to sign Noah Mbamba from Club Brugge.
What’s the story?
Well, both Patrick Vieira and Graham Potter are keen to sign the Belgian wonderkid – according to Kicker.
The German news outlet believe Bayer Leverkusen have struck an agreement with Mbamba, although their pursuit of the 18-year-old is complicated by the fact that Crystal Palace and Chelsea are ready to make offers.
Kicker believe the Eagles and the Blues are willing to pay Club Brugge a fee this month, which makes all the difference as Bayer Leverkusen have only agreed a deal to sign the teenager for free when his contract expires this summer.
Therefore, the Bundesliga outfit may need to stump up some cash this winter to fend off Crystal Palace and Chelsea, which they might not be willing to do.
Mbamba has made three first-team appearances for Club Brugge so far this season, and is one of the most exciting prospects in their ranks.
Kicker believe the teenager could be left on the sidelines in Belgium for the remainder of the season after agreeing to join Bayer Leverkusen, with Club Brugge unhappy about his decision.
Crystal Palace or Chelsea could sign a diamond in Mbamba
If Crystal Palace or Chelsea manage to hijack Bayer Leverkusen’s deal for Mbamba, they could be getting their hands on a gem.
The Belgium Under-19 international has been compared to Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany by Football Talent Scout as a result of his maturity, despite being so young.
Mbamba, like Kompany did at a young age before dropping into the centre of defence, plays in a defensive midfield role, which requires plenty of composure and professionalism, something he impressively has in abundance.
Hopefully, Mbamba’s future is resolved this month, and Club Brugge do not waste six months of his promising career by leaving him on the bench until his contract expires.
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