Barcelona has officially completed the signing of a highly promising 17-year-old midfielder, who has drawn frequent comparisons to German football legend Toni Kroos. Despite receiving multiple offers from other top European clubs, the young player chose to join Barcelona, where he is expected to refine his skills and develop further within the club’s youth academy. While he will initially be integrated into the youth ranks, head coach Hansi Flick is particularly keen to evaluate his abilities firsthand and determine how soon he might contribute to the first team.
In a strategic and well-executed move, Barcelona secured this rising star for a transfer fee of €5 million—a signing that has the potential to shape the club’s midfield for years to come. Club president Joan Laporta has actively reinforced the squad by bringing in this young talent, addressing Flick’s request for additional midfield options as the team prepares for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Toni Kroos, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, served as the model for Barcelona’s recruitment strategy. Both Deco, the club’s sporting director, and Hansi Flick view Kroos’ style of play as essential to Barcelona’s evolving tactical setup. With that in mind, the club made it a priority to secure a player with a similar skill set. Although several clubs expressed interest in the talented youngster, his personal desire to play for Barcelona played a decisive role in finalizing the deal. According to e-Notícies, the transfer has now been fully completed and is expected to be officially announced soon, marking the arrival of a promising young midfielder at the club.
Official: Young Midfield Sensation Compared to Toni Kroos Joins Barcelona in a €5M Deal
Since Toni Kroos’ departure from professional football, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to find a replacement capable of exerting the same level of control over midfield play. Recognizing an opportunity, Barcelona acted swiftly to secure a player they believe possesses similar qualities—a 17-year-old prodigy acquired for a fee of €5 million. There is even speculation that he may be included in Barcelona’s preseason preparations under Flick, giving him an early opportunity to showcase his potential at the senior level.
Amid growing concerns about the team’s need for a midfield orchestrator, Barcelona has demonstrated both urgency and ambition in signing a young playmaker who exhibits traits reminiscent of Kroos. The club’s scouting and recruitment efforts identified him as a standout performer in youth competitions, capturing the attention of key decision-makers such as Deco and Laporta.
The young player drawing such high praise is none other than Xavi Espart, a 17-year-old midfielder from Barça Atlètic. He is on the verge of renewing his contract with the club, with a clear pathway toward joining the first team in the near future. Espart has already had the opportunity to train under Flick, further reinforcing the club’s commitment to his development. Determined to prevent another homegrown talent from slipping away, Barcelona is pushing to secure his future at the club until at least 2028. Joan Laporta’s vision remains clear: to retain and nurture young talent, ensuring that Barcelona continues to build a strong and sustainable foundation for the future.
