Liverpool already have Virgil van Dijk, but could they yet move for a player described as a ‘young Virgil van Dijk’.
The Reds have seen Van Dijk become arguably the top centre back in Europe. The Dutchman has played a huge part in the Reds winning so many trophies since his 2018 move from Southampton.
Branding any player as a ‘young Van Dijk’ is extremely bold. However, that’s how Xavier Mbuyamba has been described by the Daily Mail.
The Barcelona talent was plucked from MVV Maastricht in 2019, but may already move on. The 6ft 5in teenage centre back has been compared to Van Dijk, but already wants to leave Barca.
Agent Carlos Barros has told Voetbal International that that Mbuyamba wants to move elsewhere to have a clearer path to first-team football, despite being just 18.
Barros admitted that ‘top clubs from England’ are keen, naming Chelsea as a potential destination. Real Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan are thought to be interested too.
“Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier,” said Barros. “Real Madrid is also there, they are serious about their youth system, but that would of course be a sensitive switch. Juventus and Internazionale are interested, as are top clubs from Germany and England. Chelsea has the best proposal. Of course we discussed this extensively last year,” he added.
Last year, VI claimed that Liverpool were pushing to sign Mbuyamba from MVV Maastricht. In the end, he picked Barcelona, and the Reds went for fellow Dutch centre back Sepp van den Berg instead.
Yet if Mbuyamba becomes available again, he may be difficult to turn down for Liverpool. The Mirror recently noted that Liverpool’s transfer plans will now focus on signing youngsters rather than proven first-team players.
Mbuyamba fits that bill perfectly. Jurgen Klopp has brought through young players with Liverpool, which should be appealing to Mbuyamba, and if they can re-enter the race for ‘the young Van Dijk’, then they should.
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