FC United winger Elliot Simoes has joined League One side Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old has become the latest Non-League prodigy to land a move into the Football League.
Having joined the Rebels at the age of 16, he progressed through the club’s academy, youth and reserve teams, making his first team debut in April 2018.
Barnsley have moved quickly to secure the highly-rated youngster on a long-term deal, after eight assists and two goals, in 23 appearances for FC United.
Simoes has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Oakwell and told the club’s website: “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’s probably the best thing that’s happened in my life. I knew I wanted to come straight away, I knew I wanted to join. The only worry you ever have is meeting new people and leaving home, but everyone has been great with me so far. I can’t wait to get playing now.”
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, they 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. It is now up to Elliot to impress the coaches in training.”
