- No move to FC Bayern: Simons remains in Leipzig
Highly-sought-after Dutch national player Xavi Simons, who was also courted by FC Bayern, will remain with RB Leipzig for another season. The offensive player will once again be loaned out by Paris Saint-Germain to the Saxons, as announced by the Bundesliga club. No purchase option is provided this time either.
Simons made a splash in the Bundesliga last season with his distinctive dribbling. In 43 games for RB, he scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists. Even FC Bayern had shown interest in signing Simons.
"Xavi Simons played a very good European Championship and had a great Bundesliga season with Leipzig last year," said Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund recently. "He will have a really good career at the highest level. He brings everything with him, both mentally and in character."
Recently, Manchester United had also expressed interest in the 21-year-old, but Simons decided to stay with the Saxons. Supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff, who maintains close ties with PSG, had advocated for the Dutchman's stay.
Guaranteed starting position at RB a factor
Simons had a contractually agreed right to have a say in where he is loaned out. The guaranteed starting position under coach Marco Rose and the many freedoms he enjoys in the RB system played a role.
Simons, who also stood out positively for Oranje at the European Championship, is still tied to PSG until the summer of 2027. A sale was not an option for the French club, as until the end of the year, Simons' predecessor club PSV Eindhoven would have been significantly involved in the proceeds. In Leipzig, he is now set to take another step in his development.
I'm not displeased with the opportunities I have at RB, which is why I'm not going to seek a transfer elsewhere. Even with Man United expressing interest, I decided to stay with Leipzig for another season.
