PSG set to re-sign former ace as Messi's replacement

Cameron Smith

27 Mar 2023 17:00 BST
3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain are set to trigger their buy-back clause on PSV Eindhoven wonderkid Xavi Simons as they prepare for life after Lionel Messi.

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Messi, 35, will be out of contract this summer, and reports suggest the Argentine superstar is set to leave the Parc des Princes in search of a new home.

The Barcelona legend has been heavily linked with a return to Camp Nou, while a move to David Beckham's Inter Miami has also been touted.

READ: Lionel Messi: MLS clubs join forces to sign Barcelona legend

According to a fresh report from Spanish outlet Sport, MLS clubs don't have the funds to afford Messi's lucrative salary on their own. However, several of the league's biggest clubs are reportedly willing to join forces and contribute to his wages in order to bring him to the United States.

With Messi on the way out and Neymar's future still up in the air, PSG are in the hunt for new attacking talent. Mohamed Salah has been previously linked, while reports suggest that re-signing Simons is high on their priority list.

READ: Barcelona to pull Griezmann stunt on Atletico Madrid over Carrasco

© ProShots - PSG want to re-sign Xavi Simons from PSV

Barcelona to re-sign Simons for a third of his value?

According to ESPN, PSG are set to trigger a reported €12 million buy-back clause in Simons' PSV contract.

The Eredivisie side signed the 19-year-old on a free transfer last summer with the player keen on finding first-team action, but he could be set to return to Paris after just one season away.

Despite letting him leave for free in 2022, PSG are set to sign Simons for a bargain fee. The Dutch international's ETV stands at an impressive €33.6m, according to FootballTransfers' model, meaning PSG are set to purchase the forward for a third of his value.