PSG in dreamland after latest Mbappe replacement twist

Tom Weber

• Updated: 6 Apr 2024 15:54 BST
• 4 min read

RB Leipzig are planning for life without Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman is on loan with the Bundesliga side from PSG and has been one of Germany's best players this season. His nine goals and 13 assists have put him on the radar of Europe's elite, with Arsenal and Man City both holding an interest in the former La Masia product.

However, Simons' destiny ultimately lies in the hands of PSG. The French giants utilised a buy-back clause in the summer to re-sign him from PSV for just €4 million and the 20-year-old has been earmarked as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is finally set to join Real Madrid this year.

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PSG boss Luis Enrique recently spoke about Simons, waxing lyrical about the youngster's ability and hinting that he will have a big role to play for the Parisians next season. “He’s doing wonders at PSV and now at Leipzig. He has shown himself to be one of the best players in the team," Enrique said while answering fan questions on Twitch.

"He has ideal individual characteristics for a model and a philosophy like ours. I don’t know exactly the conditions in which he is loaned to Leipzig, but he could clearly be an interesting option for us. It will depend on the club.”

Leipzig to sign replacement

Given his exploits for Leipzig this season, the Red Bulls are naturally keen to keep him. While they realise that the prospects of signing him permanently are slim, they have reportedly been in talks with PSG over extending his loan.

However, it seems that the Bundesliga side are not leaving anything to chance, especially since the Dutchman's proposed continued stay would depend on qualification for the Champions League, which is not set in stone yet.

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According to Footmercato, the Saxons are progressing in talks to sign Genk wonderkid Bilal El Khannouss. The 19-year-old Morocco international is said to be keen on the move and has been pinpointed as the perfect replacement for Simons.

The acquisition of El Khannouss would eliminate one of Simons' summer suitors, which is good news for PSG.