incredible turnaround for Xavi Simons

PSG had sensed the right move. In 2019, the capital club, keen to ensure a bright future, made an approach to attract Xavi Simons from FC Barcelona. Considered one of the Masia’s greatest talents, the Amsterdam native had an interesting role to play in Paris in the long term. Interesting initially with the Parisian reserve, he played his first match in February 2021 in the Coupe de France against Caen at just 17 years old. Playing six games the following season with Mauricio Pochettino, the attacking midfielder needed a fresh start to accumulate playing time and really progress.

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Successful adventures at PSV and Leipzig

So, while both camps seemed on the same page regarding an extension, the Batavian returned home. Insistant, PSV Eindhoven managed to obtain the signature of the right-hander. A resilience which paid off given the extraordinary 2022-2023 season of the former Barça crack. Indeed, propelled into the status of permanent holder, Simons splashes the Eredivisie (Dutch D1) with his talent. Alternating between the position of attacking midfielder and left winger, the Amsterdammer collected 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games. This is how PSG had once again smelled the right move.

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PSG’s curious option for the No. 9 position

Having become a Dutch international (13 caps) during this memorable vintage, Xavi Simons finally returned to Paris. Indeed, sensing the talent of their young player, the Ile-de-France leaders had put a priority buyout option set at six million euros in association upon his departure. But while he could have played a major role this season, Simons was ultimately loaned for a season to RB Leipzig without a purchase option to the great dismay of certain PSG supporters who would have to be patient to see the Batave illuminate the Parc des Princes. In Germany, number 20 turned everything upside down again. With 9 goals and 15 goals in 42 appearances, the versatile 21-year-old striker has established himself as one of the best young players on the planet.

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PSG’s sporting strategy questions, Leipzig holds the rope

But while PSG could rub its hands, the latest information casts a serious shadow over the sporting strategy of the French champions. Indeed, according to RMC Sport, PSG will not force the return of Simons who would not be very keen on the idea of ​​playing with the Champions League semi-finalists next year. Worse still, even if he is appreciated by Luis Enrique, the offensive player should return to the Saxon club next year while the two clubs are already negotiating the final sale of the player, according to information from our colleagues. In recent days, an amount of 60 million euros was mentioned by the German press.

But while this would be the strong trend for the future of Xavi Simons, FC Barcelona would be in ambush to repatriate its former nugget. An avenue mentioned by the Iberian press but which would have very little chance of succeeding according to the indiscretions of RMC. Regardless of the Dutchman’s future destination, Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting plan raises questions. By repatriating his player last summer, everything indicated that he would have an important role to play next season. A theory which was reinforced by the departure of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid at the end of the season. Obviously, while he was eagerly awaited by a large part of the Parisian fans, Xavi Simons should not wear the blue of the Ile-de-France jersey. Given his last two seasons and while he would have represented a high quality solution for 0 euros, it is difficult to follow PSG in their management of the Xavi Simons case…