Xavi Simons to Barcelona: Messi was right! Why dream move would be a disaster

Robin Bairner

19 Jun 2024 11:00 CDT
4 min read

Lionel Messi, Xavi Simons, Barcelona — © IMAGO

Lionel Messi once warned Barcelona against signing Xavi Simons, and the advice of the Argentine great still stands: a deal for the young Dutchman would not be good for either party.

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Simons’ future is one of the most complicated issues in the transfer market, with the PSG attacker apparently destined to leave the club on another loan move this summer.

Interest comes from all corners of Europe. Bayern Munich and Arsenal are both interested in him, while RB Leipzig are seeking to strike another loan move for the Netherlands No.7, yet Barcelona continue to be linked with a player who was once in their youth system.

Current ETV

Xavi Simons

AM (CRL)

RB Leipzig

Xavi Simons

AM (CRL)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€36.8M - €61.4M

What on paper might look like a dream return, though, would prove little short of a nightmare, according to data analytics firm SciSports.

Xavi Simons only achieves a Club Fit score of 60 for the Catalan side, who are rated as only the 49th best option for a move, according to the experts.

In particular, it states that Barcelona’s playing style and formation are not suitable for the 21-year-old while the development he would gain at Camp Nou would be limited, particularly in comparison to other potential options such as Arsenal, who score five stars in this regard, or even the likes of a Liverpool, who get four.

Indeed, the only thing Barca have in their favour, according to SciSports, is the playing time the attacking midfielder would get. Nevertheless, he still only achieves three stars in this category, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Raphinha in contention for a starting space in these areas.

Juventus are seen as the best fit for him, offering a Club Fit score of 75.

On the flip side, PSG want to loan Simons out for at least a year due to an agreement they have with PSV. If they were to sell the Dutchman this summer, a significant sell on would be due to the Eredivisie club. Hold onto his registration, even via a loan, and that is reduced in a few months.

Such a temporary deal would also suit Barcelona.

Messi says ‘no’ to Xavi Simons

Barcelona legend Messi has cautioned the Catalans against signing Xavi Simons before, though.

El Nacional reported in 2022 that Xavi, the head coach of Barcelona, sought out the Argentine’s advice on the youngster when he was available on a free transfer but was cautioned not to make a move.

Messi and Xavi may both have moved on, but the advice remains the same: Xavi Simons and Barcelona are a combination that simply won’t mix.