- RB Leipzig wins the fight for Xavi Simons
RB Leipzig can plan for another season with Xavi Simons. The Dutch national player is once again loaned out by Paris Saint-Germain to the Saxons, as the football Bundesliga club announced. No purchase option is provided again. Simons had caused a stir in the Bundesliga last season with his distinctive dribbles. In 43 games for RB, he scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists.
"Xavi and RB Leipzig - it just fit from the start. He quickly became a key player and one of the best players in the Bundesliga. Xavi has shown in many games and not least at Euro 2024 that he is a difference-maker," said the new RB sporting director, Marcel Schäfer.
There was a poker game around the 21-year-old in recent weeks. RB wanted to loan him again, but Bayern Munich also wanted to secure the services of the difference-maker. Manchester United also showed interest recently. But Simons decided to stay with the Saxons. Supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaff, who maintains close contacts with PSG, had campaigned for the Dutchman to stay.
Guaranteed starting spot at RB a factor
Simons had a contractually agreed right to veto where he is loaned out. The guaranteed starting spot under coach Marco Rose and the many freedoms he got in the RB system were a factor.
"Everything I hoped for from my move to Leipzig has come true. I found a great team from the start, felt the full trust of everyone, and was able to develop as a player and person - RB Leipzig simply offers the perfect environment for that. On top of that, the club has shown clear, but also discreet appreciation for me in recent months and has presented a clear plan for the coming season," said Simons.
Simons is to continue his development
Simons, who also stood out positively for Oranje at the European Championship, is still tied to PSG until 2027. A sale was not an option for the French, as until the end of the year, Simons' predecessor club PSV Eindhoven would be significantly involved in the proceeds. In Leipzig, he is now to take another step in his development.
"There is still more potential in him that he can use to reach the next level. We are very happy that he has chosen RB Leipzig as the best option for this development and that he believes in our ambitious goals - despite intensive courting by other top clubs from home and abroad," said Schäfer.
"Despite interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, Xavi Simons decided to stay with RB Leipzig, citing the guaranteed starting spot under coach Marco Rose and the freedoms in the RB system as factors. He expressed his satisfaction with his move to Leipzig, stating that he found a great team, full trust, and the perfect environment for his development."
"In choosing RB Leipzig for his continued development, Simons acknowledged the club's clear plan for the upcoming season and their discreet appreciation. Schäfer, the new RB sporting director, expressed his joy at Simons' decision and belief in his potential, stating that there is still more potential in him to reach the next level."
