Long-time Celtic target Xavier Mbuyamba has reportedly agreed to join Sampdoria instead after Andrea Pirlo’s side submitted a third bid worth around £2 million for the FC Volendam defender.
Back in 2019, Celtic were left disappointed in their pursuit of a 17-year-old centre-half who was making quite a name for himself back home in the Netherlands with MVV Maastricht.
As you might imagine, the chance to hone his considerable talents in Barcelona’s fabled La Masia academy was one Xavier Mbuyamba couldn’t turn down, opting to accept the Blaugrana’s offer rather than take the Virgil van Dijk route to Glasgow.
Three years later, history is repeating itself.
According to Sky Sports, Celtic had once again expressed their interest in Mbuyamba at the start of the summer. Now back in the Netherlands with Volendam after spells at Barca and Chelsea, the 21-year-old centre-half excelled last term with AZ Alkmaar, Watford and even Ajax also among his admirers.
Celtic could miss out on Xavier Mbuyamba again
Mbuyamba, however, seems ready to resist the advances of his British-based suitors once again. De Telegraaf report that Mbuyamba has agreed to join Sampdoria; the Blucerchiati submitting a third bid worth around £2 million.
Samp were relegated from Serie A last term amid substantial financial concerns. Things are looking up, however, following a takeover from former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani. Not to mention the appointment of the legendary Andrea Pirlo as the club’s new head coach.
As for Celtic, any disappointment at potentially missing out on Mbuyamba for a second time will be offset by the arrival of another talented young centre-half. Maik Nawrocki joined from Polish outfit Legia Warsaw this week.
“He’s a player I am very much aware of. (I saw) him play for Legia Waraw in the Europa League,” Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers tells the BBC of his new 22-year-old recruit. “And I know he was very keen to move to Celtic, so we’re looking forward to working with him.
“He’s a very highly-rated young player. Someone who we believe will be a great addition to the squad.”
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