PSG rejected stunning offer from Manchester United for 20-year-old star due to interesting clause in contract: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were compelled to reject lucrative offers for Xavi Simons from Manchester United and RB Leipzig this summer.
As per reports from French outlet L'Equipe, PSV Eindhoven would receive the transfer fee had Simons departed on a permanent transfer before a certain date.
PSG activated a buy-back clause to sign Xavi Simons for a bargain fee of €6 million in July and eventually loaned him out to RB Leipzig for the 2023-24 season.
The Parisians received handsome offers from Manchester United and Leipzig to buy Simons. However, they could not accept them as they would incur a total loss on the investment they made in Simons.
Having started off in PSG's youth academy, Xavi Simons made just seven appearances for the first team before being sold to PSV in 2022. The Dutchman made 48 appearances for PSV, scoring 22 and assisting 12 goals during his time in the Netherlands.
With 19 goals in the Eredivisie last season, Simons burst onto to the scene as one of the hottest prospects in European football.
It is understandable that PSG were reluctant to lose a player of his quality, but it remains to be seen what they decide following the end of his loan with RB Leipzig in 2024.
L'Equipe also report that the Parisians are in talks with the German club to extend Xavi Simons' loan deal for an additional year.
Former PSG midfielder Marco Verratti reveals details surrounding his exit
Marco Verratti left Pais to join Qatari club Al-Arabi this summer after 11 successful years. During that time, he made 416 appearances, scoring 11 goals and assisting 61, establishing himself as a fan-favorite.
However, since Luis Enrique's appointment as manager following Christophe Galtier's sacking, Marco Verratti quickly fell down the pecking order.
The Italian revealed details of his departure, as shared by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano:
"I spoke to Luis Enrique and he told me that I was not part of his plans. He is a great coach, I respect that.
"He just told me that he wanted to change. That I had been at PSG for many years, that he wanted something new. For me, things never happen by chance."
Verratti eventually left the Parisians for Al-Arabi, who reportedly paid €45 million for the Italian's services. With little to no chance of being a first-team regular under Enrique, it is clear to see why the midfielder chose to leave.