FC Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba has become the centre of a growing transfer storm, with clubs including Gent, Rangers, Celtic, and English outfits all circling ahead of the new season.
🌍 Player Overview
Name: Xavier Mbuyamba
Age: 21 (born 2003)
Height: 6’5″ centre‑back
Background: Developed in Barcelona and Chelsea’s youth academies before breaking through at Volendam .
🎯 Club Interest
Rangers & Gent:
Fabrizio Romano reports Rangers and Gent have both monitored Mbuyamba, with Rangers previously linked via Fabrizio Romano. A potential cut-price deal around £430–500k is being discussed as his contract enters its final year .
However, Dutch insider Keith Jackson indicates there have been no formal club-to-club discussions so far—though Rangers are said to be “monitoring closely” .
Celtic:
Celtic’s interest was initially reported by Sky Sports and Football Scotland, with Mbuyamba confirming he will evaluate interest—but only if the right opportunity arises .
English Clubs:
Romano added that several Championship or lower Premier League sides have expressed interest, though none have moved formally yet .
⚽ Player Profile
Mbuyamba is a towering defender known for excellent positional sense, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball—attributes that have led to him being dubbed a “young Van Dijk” . He made 36 appearances last season, scoring 5 goals .
🔍 What Each Club Could Offer
Club Potential Fit
Rangers Adds height and depth at centre-back. Could arrive cheaply ahead of Champions League qualifiers.
Gent Ambitious Belgian side building a competitive defence for both domestic and European campaigns.
Celtic Could spark another Old Firm tussle; Mbuyamba’s Dutch background and left-sided profile suit Ange Postecoglou.
English Clubs For development-focused Championship/Premier League sides, his profile and release price are appealing.
✅ What’s Next
Mbuyamba has announced he’ll make a decision soon, but with no club negotiations yet, a move still feels early-stage . As he enters the final year of his Volendam contract, the next few weeks could see situations accelerate—and spark a bidding race between Scottish giants and beyond.
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