Barcelona battle Man City for PSG's hottest transfer property

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Oct 2023 15:25 BST
3 min read

Xavi Simons is quickly becoming one of Europe's most sought-after players.

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Paris Saint-Germain played an absolute blinder when they inserted a buy-back option in Simons' deal following his move to PSV last year. The youngster took the Eredivisie by storm and the French giants swiftly pulled the trigger on the clause, paying a measly €6 million to bring him back in the summer - and they could flip him again next year for a massive profit.

On loan at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, the 20-year-old has started like a house on fire, scoring three goals and assisting four in just six league games. The Red Bulls have already admitted that they would absolutely love to keep the Dutchman around beyond this season, with recently sacked sporting director Max Eberl saying that they are currently in the process of getting Simons "emotionally attached" to Leipzig.

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The German side aren't the only ones interested in securing his services long-term, however.

Barca and Man City keen

According to Fichajes, Barcelona and Manchester City are also keeping a keen eye on Simons. Indeed, if he keeps up his current form, he will have no shortage of suitors next summer, but the report acknowledges that everything will ultimately depend on PSG.

The French giants have repeatedly shown themselves willing to sell highly-rated youngsters to fund their star purchases, but with the recent shift in their transfer policy away from the flashy megastar signings of years past, they may not be quite as willing to let Xavi walk for a second time.

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As for Barcelona, it is important to recall that they actually did have Simons on their books at one point. In fact, he came through their famed La Masia academy but left for France after seeing his path to senior football blocked. Whether they could afford to re-sign him is a different question altogether.