Paris Saint-Germain has completed the signing of former Barcelona academy graduate Xavi Simmons. The move was officially confirmed a few hours after the teenager revealed his decision to exit the Blaugrana.
Simmons, who was touted by many as a future Barca captain, rose through the ranks at La Masia and enjoyed a lot of success at the youth level after joining the academy at the age of seven. As a box-to-box midfielder, the young Dutchman has often been likened to his namesake and Camp Nou legend Xavi Hernandez.
Albeit being considered as an important member of the next generation of Barcelona players, the 16-year-old penned an emotional farewell message on Tuesday confirming his imminent departure from Spain on Twitter.
"Today is not easy, as saying goodbye is one of the hardest things in life and today it's my turn to say goodbye to what has been my home, my family, my life for as long as I can remember," Simons said.
"As I am about to start a new and exciting adventure away from Barcelona, this club, its people and its fans will always hold a special place in my heart."
Thank you, @FCBarcelona!
— Xavi Simons (@xavisimons) July 23, 2019
Força Barça! pic.twitter.com/p2fBAV11Cm
According to Goal, the midfielder who is represented by controversial super-agent Mino Raiola failed to agree terms with the Catalan club. The report suggests that Simons was offered a €100k-a-season which would have seen him being promoted to the Juvenil A team.
However, the teenager and his entourage turned down the offer in a bid to seal a move elsewhere. Instead, he opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has signed his first professional that will see him as part of the French club's project until 2022.
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 23, 2019
Paris Saint-Germain is happy to announce the arrival of @xavisimons to the club
The Dutch midfielder has signed a professional contract until
#ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/EjMmsn6pQu