League One Oxford United Have Signed An Ex Barcelona Player

A bit of business from League One side Oxford United has caught the eye this afternoon, as the club have confirmed the signing of a former Barcelona midfielder on a free transfer.

Josep Miquel Codina Fernandez, better known as 'Xemi', was a free agent and joins the club on a three-year contract.

Image: Tribuna

He made his name at UE Cornella, where he made the step up to the first-team and was responsible for one of the most important goals in the club's history as he sent the side up to the Segunda Division B.

The 22-year old's form attracted interest from Barcelona, who snapped him up in December 2015. Though he never made a first-team appearance for the Blaugrana, he did rack up a total of 46 appearances for the club's B team.

Image: FCBarcelona.cat

His release this summer meant that he was available on a free, and the U's have swooped in by making him the club's fourth signing this summer.

Manager Pep Clotet had the following to say to the club's website about the signing of his fellow Spaniard:

"Xemi caught the eye of plenty of clubs as a youngster and it was no surprise to see him join a big club like Barcelona."

"His time there will have served as a fantastic apprenticeship for him and now he wants to come to Oxford, experience football over here, and play in a strong, youthful side.

"During his time at Barça, he proved his ability and showed that he's prepared to work hard. Given his age, he represents an asset for Oxford United's future and his personality means that he'll fit into the squad really well.

"We look forward to seeing him continue to develop."

While the man himself, described as "a powerful midfielder" by Barcelona's official website, has revealed he has had an interest in English football for quite some time.

"I have always thought about playing English football," he said to BBC Radio Oxford.

"My favourite players were [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard.

"I was looking to continue playing in the Spanish second division, but when Oxford appeared I was really interested in coming here.

"It's going to be more intense here, I think, and I will fit in better here than Barca."

Oxford United fans, excited about the latest addition?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: FC Barcelona, League One, Barca B

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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