Double injection of potential is part of long-term plan at Reds
BARNSLEY have completed the signing of their second winger in the space of four days after bringing in highly-rated FC United of Manchester teenager Elliot Simoes.
The 19-year-old, formerly on the books of Sporting Lisbon, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the League One promotion chasers and follows on from the arrival of Yeovil winger Jordan Green, who joined the Reds on Friday.
Portugal-born Simoes said: “I wasn’t expecting it to happen. I was surprised. I was heading to FC United training as normal, then I got a call telling me that Barnsley wanted to sign me.
“It is probably the best thing that has happened in my life.
“I knew I wanted to come straight away.
“The only worry you ever have is meeting new people and leaving home, but everyone has been great with me so far. I cannot wait to get playing now.”
Reds’ chief executive Gauthier Ganaye added: “We know we have secured a really exciting young player, on a long contract. This is really important for the future of the club and it also shows that we are attractive to young players, who want to come and develop here.
“Elliot is a player who will offer competition for first-team places straight away. As already stated, he’s quick and exciting to watch on the ball.”
Barnsley have also signed Uruguayan youth international striker Mateo Aramburu on a deal until the end of the season.
Aramburu, 20, who will initially link up with the Reds’ Under23s side, was most recently with Le Touquet in the French third tier.
“I’m happy to have been given the opportunity to have signed here,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to trying to achieve things with the club. I want to work hard and impress to try and break into the first team.”