RB Leipzig has made a major move in the transfer market, reaching an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to buy Xavi Simons (21), who is currently in his second season on loan in Germany. According to German media, Leipzig is paying a significant fee to secure Simons permanently.
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According to Sky and BILD, RB Leipzig is set to make a significant statement in the transfer market with the acquisition of Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain.
The German club will pay a fixed fee of €50 million, while additional bonuses could push the total amount above €80 million. However, these add-ons are tied to highly ambitious objectives, such as Leipzig winning multiple trophies, making it unlikely that the full amount will be paid. Despite this, the deal represents a major investment for Leipzig, reinforcing their commitment to assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Simons is set to sign a contract with the club that will keep him in Leipzig until the summer of 2027, a clear sign that the club sees him as a key figure in their long-term project.
Simons’ career has been a remarkable journey through some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Born in 2003, he was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the La Masia academy at Barcelona, where he developed his technical skills and tactical intelligence. However, in 2019, in a surprising move, he left the Spanish club to join Paris Saint-Germain, lured by the promise of a faster pathway to first-team football. Despite his talent, breaking into PSG’s star-studded squad proved to be a challenge, and in 2022, the French club made the unexpected decision to sell him to PSV Eindhoven.
It was in the Netherlands where Simons truly announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. In his single season at PSV, he showcased his dynamic dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability, finishing the campaign with 19 goals and 8 assists across all competitions. His ability to play as an attacking midfielder, a winger, or even as a false nine made him a valuable asset. His performances did not go unnoticed, and despite his departure from PSG just a year earlier, the Parisians exercised a buyback clause worth only a few million euros to bring him back to the French capital. However, with Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé still dominating PSG’s attacking positions at the time, there was no guaranteed place for Simons in the starting XI.
In search of regular playing time at the highest level, Simons moved to RB Leipzig on loan at the start of the 2023-24 season, a decision that has proven to be one of the best of his young career. The Dutch international wasted no time making an impact in Germany, settling in quickly under Leipzig’s attacking philosophy and becoming a crucial player in the squad. In his first season, he contributed eight goals and eleven assists, proving his ability to deliver in a highly competitive league. This season, despite an ankle injury that kept him out for a period, he has already registered four goals and three assists, further cementing his reputation as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.
His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, with speculation linking him to a possible move back to PSG, as well as interest from Premier League giants like Arsenal and Manchester United. However, Leipzig has now moved decisively to secure his future, ensuring that Simons will remain a key part of their squad for the coming years. The move highlights Leipzig’s growing ambition as they continue to establish themselves as one of Germany’s elite clubs, consistently challenging Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for domestic supremacy while aiming for deep runs in the Champions League.
For Simons, staying at Leipzig could be the best decision for his development. Under Marco Rose, he has thrived in a system that allows him creative freedom while also demanding defensive discipline, helping him develop into a more complete player. At just 21 years old, he already possesses an impressive combination of technical ability, vision, and tactical intelligence, and Leipzig provides the ideal environment for him to continue growing without the intense pressure that comes with playing for clubs like PSG.
The move also reflects a broader trend in European football, where young players are increasingly prioritizing stability and playing time over joining the biggest clubs too early in their careers. By securing a long-term deal at Leipzig, Simons is making a statement that he values regular football and development over short-term prestige. His trajectory suggests that he will continue to improve, and if he maintains his current level, it is only a matter of time before he becomes one of the standout midfielders in European football.
As Leipzig prepares for the next phase of their season, Simons’ permanent signing represents a major boost for the club. His ability to unlock defenses, score goals, and provide assists will be crucial as they push for success in both the Bundesliga and Europe. While PSG’s decision to sell him might be questioned in the future, Leipzig has undoubtedly secured a gem, and with a contract running until 2027, they have positioned themselves to benefit from his talents for years to come.
