Exciting news in the football world as PSV Eindhoven makes a significant announcement about one of their star players. Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, just 20 years old, is set to return to Paris Saint-Germain after an eventful year in the Eredivisie.
Simons’ journey has been filled with twists and turns. He had a short-lived stint in the French capital, failing to impress initially and ultimately choosing to return to his homeland last summer. Back in the Netherlands, he blossomed under the guidance of Ruud van Nistelrooy, showcasing his talent and skills.
Impressively, Simons made 48 appearances for PSV, managing an astounding 22 goals and 12 assists during his time in their jersey. This incredible performance played a pivotal role in helping the Eindhoven giants secure victories in the KNVB Beker and Dutch Super Cup.
In the Eredivisie matches, Simons was a standout, scoring 19 times in 34 games, finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer, just behind Anastasios Douvikas of FC Utrecht, who netted 20 goals.
After arriving in the Netherlands last summer, Simons signed a five-year contract with PSV, though PSG cunningly inserted a buyback clause worth a modest €6m (£5.2m) into his deal.
Despite reports of interest from English Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool, Simons had downplayed the possibility of leaving PSV during the current transfer window. Nonetheless, PSG has now activated their buyback clause, providing Simons with a second opportunity to play at the renowned Parc des Princes.
It’s worth mentioning that Simons had limited exposure to Les Parisiens’ senior team between 2019 and 2022, as he chose to depart Barcelona’s prestigious academy to join the ranks of the French powerhouse.
As the transfer saga unfolds, there’s a possibility that Simons might be loaned out for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign, depending on whether Kylian Mbappe and Neymar stay with PSG. The club is eager to sell Mbappe due to his reluctance to extend his contract beyond the next season, but the player himself has declared his intentions to remain at the club for now, with a decision on his future expected in 2024. As for Neymar, there’s interest from Chelsea and Saudi Arabian clubs, but PSG isn’t actively seeking to offload the Brazilian superstar at the moment.
As Simons prepares to undergo his medical and sign his contract with PSG today, football enthusiasts are eagerly watching how his role will unfold in the team. With PSG’s busy summer transfer window, including signings like Lucas Hernandez, Cher Ndour, Lee Kang-in, Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, and Manuel Ugarte, the team’s lineup is looking formidable.
During his time with PSV, Simons exhibited versatility, occupying various roles on the field. However, in the second half of last season, he predominantly showcased his skills as a left winger, previously excelling as a number 10 and center-forward.
Football fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Simons’ journey at PSG, and with the ongoing developments in the transfer market, the excitement and speculation surrounding the upcoming season continue to build.