PSG star doing everything he can to join Barcelona, special clause in contract could give him boost: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Xavi Simons is reportedly intent on joining Catalan giants Barcelona on loan for the 2024-25 season, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Dutchman, who is currently on loan at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, allegedly has a special clause in his contract that could facilitate his dream move.
Simons joined Barcelona's world-renowned academy, La Masia, in the summer of 2010. He worked his way up the youth levels, and his impressive performances led to him being billed as the next big academy superstar for the Blaugrana.
However, he and the club failed to agree on a contract in 2019, allowing him to move on a free transfer to PSG's academy. He spent a few years in the youth ranks, before making the jump to the first team in January 2022.
His first team stint didn't last long, as he moved to PSV on a free transfer in June 2022, albeit with a €6 million buy-back clause inserted into his contract. He broke out onto the big stage with the Eredivisie giants, netting 21 goals and assisting 12 times in 47 games. PSG activated the clause and brought him back after just one season away from the club.
He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at RB Leipzig, delivering another impressive individual campaign. He showcased impressive positional versatility, being deployed as a number 10 and on the wing, and bagged 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances.
If PSG choose to loan Simons out again, it is being reported that he has a clause in his contract that allows him to choose his next destination. Mundo Deportivo also suggests that the Parisians are inclined to keep him at the club, but respect his decision to leave on loan.
With Barcelona's finances currently in disarray, a loan deal seems to be the only way for them to bring the 21-year-old into the club in the short term. If they are to secure a permanent transfer for Simons, they will have to balance their books by parting ways with a lot of their existing squad members.
PSG midfielder Xavi Simons' salary will not be a hurdle for Barcelona in potential loan deal - Reports
PSG midfielder Xavi Simons' salary will not be a hurdle for Barcelona in their efforts to bring him into the club on loan next season, according to Mundo Deportivo (MD).
The Parisians are hesitant to part ways with the Dutchman permanently but are said to be open to loan him out in the summer. However, Simons has a clause that lets him choose his next destination in the event of a potential loan move, and PSG are believed to be respectful of his decision.
According to MD, the 21-year-old's salary is said to be within Barca's financial fair play (FFP) stipulations, which has handed them a massive boost in their pursuit of his services.
Xavi Simons is also said to be pushing for a move to his boyhood club, which has given the Catalans an edge over other top suitors like Arsenal and Bayern Munich. With Barcelona in desperate need of depth in attack and midfield, the positional versatility of Simons could be the answer to their woes.