Decoding Xavi Simons' Comments About Future at Paris Saint-Germain
PSG sent Xavi Simons out on loan to Leipzig, but will he want to return to the French capital?
If you don’t know the name “Xavi Simons,” you’ve probably been living under a rock for the past couple of years.
The 20-year-old Netherlands international got his start in the FC Barcelona academy before joining Paris Saint-Germain’s academy in 2019. He had a large social media following and lofty expectations, but for numerous reasons—poor management and decision-making—PSG allowed Simons to leave for PSV Eindhoven in 2022 on a free transfer when it was expected he would sign a new contract with the French club.
In just one season at PSV, Simons led the Eredivisie in scoring with 19 goals, and the rumor mill started heating up with speculation about where the youngster would play his football this season. Thankfully, PSG included a buy-back clause in the deal with PSV that allowed them to sign the player for €4 million, and Simons ultimately agreed to return to the French capital.
There was one interesting detail in Simons rejoining PSG. It was reported that he wanted either Kylian Mbappé or Neymar Jr. to leave the club to open up an opportunity for him to play more frequently compared to his previous stint. If both players remained, Simons preferred to go out on loan to continue to develop.
At the time, both Mbappé and Neymar were still at the club, and PSG likely didn’t know if either would be transferred out, so the decision was made quickly to loan Simons to RB Leipzig for the 2023-24 season.
That brings us to the current international break, where Simons commented on his future, which raised my eyebrows.
I’m happy in Leipzig; I’m not thinking about anything else. I have a very exciting season to play, and I will also see with my team.”
This isn’t a player who is under contract at Leipzig. If he were and there were speculation about his transferring to another club, I would understand that statement. However, Simons is a PSG player with a contract that expires in 2027. Why does he feel the need to be so coy when talking about his future? It’s clearly with PSG unless something has soured with the relationship.
Could the recent reports that Barcelona and Manchester City are interested in signing him be forcing him to stay as neutral as possible in the event that he wants to ask PSG for a transfer next summer?
Simons has clearly gone about his career carefully. From picking the best youth academies in Europe to joining clubs known for developing emerging talent, Simons has done everything right and is on the verge of becoming a bonafide global star. The question is, does he see his future at PSG or elsewhere?
From PSG’s perspective, the decision is obvious—don’t entertain any offers for Simons for any amount. I don’t care if Manchester City offers €100 million or Barcelona offers players in addition to cash. Simons should not be available for the simple fact that with Neymar now gone and Mbappé expected to leave next summer on a free transfer, PSG could really use his attacking talent. Simons would immediately slot into the starting lineup from day one and be one of the club’s biggest stars.
The fact that Simons is not being as forthcoming and open about his future should concern PSG. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, along with advisor Luis Campos and manager Luis Enrique, should be on the phone with his representatives for clarity and smooth over any concerns Simons may have about his impending return to Paris.
With Simons hopefully secured long-term, the return of Nuno Mendes from injury, an attack led by Randal Kolo Muani, and a midfield patrolled by Manuel Ugarte, PSG can finally claim to have built a proper sporting project capable of winning the Champions League. And who knows…maybe Mbappé decides that’s something he wants to be a part of, too.