Barcelona has officially secured the signing of a 17-year-old wonderkid, often compared to Toni Kroos, despite multiple offers from other clubs. The young talent, still in his developmental phase, will initially join the club’s youth ranks, but head coach Hansi Flick is eager to assess his potential.
With a clear and swift approach, Barça has completed a €5 million deal for this promising midfielder, a signing that could define an era. Club president Joan Laporta has reinforced the squad with a highly talented prospect, fulfilling Flick’s desire for additional midfield options ahead of the summer.
Toni Kroos, the former Real Madrid midfielder, is seen as the ideal player for both Deco and Hansi Flick, two key figures shaping the current Barcelona project. Aware of the need to secure a player with a similar profile, Barça pursued the new “Toni Kroos,” but the youngster’s desire to join the club played a crucial role in finalizing the deal. According to e-Notícies, the transfer is complete and will soon be officially announced: a promising young midfielder is set to join Barça.
Official: Wonderkid Compared to Toni Kroos Chooses Barça for €5M
Since Kroos’ departure, Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to find a suitable replacement in Real Madrid’s midfield, as no one has been able to control games quite like the German. Recognizing this, Barcelona moved swiftly to sign the young player who most resembles him—a 17-year-old talent costing €5 million—who may even join Flick’s squad for preseason.
With concerns over the team’s lack of a controlling midfielder, Barça has acted decisively to bring in a promising young playmaker reminiscent of Kroos. In search of a future midfield leader, the club set its sights on a standout player from the youth leagues, catching the attention of Deco and Laporta.
The new “Toni Kroos” at Barça is none other than Xavi Espart, a 17-year-old midfielder from Barça Atlètic. He is set to renew his contract with the club, with a pathway to the first team. Espart has already trained under Flick, and Barça has made a strong push to keep him until at least 2028. Laporta’s vision is clear: retain homegrown talent and ensure that the club doesn’t lose another rising star.
