Xavi Simons Eyes Stunning Barcelona Return

Xavi Simons has again become the talk of Catalonia. The Dutch prodigy, who grew up in La Masia before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain and then flourishing at PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig, is reportedly pushing for a sensational Barcelona return this summer. Incoming sporting director Deco sees the 21-year-old as a low-cost, high-upside solution to the club’s offensive issues, especially with Liverpool’s price tag on Luis Díaz threatening to blow Barça’s delicate budget apart.

Why the Xavi Simons transfer fits Barça’s new reality

Barcelona’s economic levers rescued the club last year, but the wage bill still hovers at LaLiga’s upper limit. Simons, currently on loan at Leipzig from PSG, may be available on a relatively modest fee if Paris are willing to insert a buy-back option or accept a creative loan-with-purchase formula. His €6 million salary is within reach, and, crucially, he would not require an immediate nine-figure commitment like Díaz.

Versatility and youth in one package

Unlike specialist wingers on the market, Xavi Simons can operate across the frontline or drop into midfield, a profile Xavi Hernández craves. His 8 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga underline a capacity to both create and finish. Those numbers arrived despite Leipzig’s frequent squad rotation, suggesting he could explode in a system built around sustained possession at Camp Nou.

Financial hurdles that still loom

Even the most flexible Simons deal hinges on Barcelona freeing salary space. Outgoings such as Ansu Fati or Ferran Torres would accelerate the operation. Furthermore, PSG are rumoured to want a €10-15 million loan fee if they agree to a one-year stint before a potential permanent switch. Club president Joan Laporta must therefore balance immediacy with long-term planning.

LaLiga’s FFP microscope

The league’s strict financial fair-play rules mean any incoming player must be registered within an established salary cap. Barça executives are already in conversations with LaLiga to understand how a Simons package could be green-lighted without sacrificing the ability to reinforce other positions, notably right-back and pivot midfield.

Competition for Xavi Simons heats up

Bayern Munich and Arsenal monitor the situation, seeing the Dutchman as a bargain compared to elite wingers priced above €80 million. Leipzig, for their part, want to keep him for another season but acknowledge the player’s desire to test himself elsewhere. Should PSG decide to sell outright, an auction could begin, though Barça believe Simons’ emotional connection gives them an edge.

The Luis Díaz dilemma

Barcelona have tracked Liverpool’s Colombian star for months, yet a transfer fee north of €100 million and Díaz’s premium wages make the move almost impossible without a blockbuster sale. With talks stalling, the Catalans are refocusing on attainable targets, and Xavi Simons sits atop that revised shortlist.

Tactical fit: how Xavi Simons would slot into Xavi Hernández’s XI

On the right flank, Simons could invert onto his stronger right foot to combine with the interior midfielders, while his energy allows him to press high—an element occasionally missing from Barça’s current front three. He can also play as an attacking interior in a 4-3-3, giving Pedri and Gavi rest without sacrificing creativity. The manager values his willingness to drop between the lines, a trait reminiscent of Lionel Messi’s early Barca days.

Replacement for João Félix?

João Félix’s loan is unlikely to be extended unless Atlético lower their demands. Simons therefore emerges as a direct alternative, offering similar flair with a higher work rate and far lower cost. His arrival would also align with Barcelona’s commitment to youth, creating a nucleus around Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde.

What Leipzig and PSG expect

Leipzig have no purchase option, so the ultimate decision lies with PSG. The French champions might prefer to sell abroad to avoid strengthening a Champions League rival, yet a clause allowing them to re-sign him in future could sweeten negotiations with Barça. Sources in Paris suggest a €50-60 million fee would be acceptable if that buy-back is included.

The player’s stance is clear

Simons wants regular Champions League minutes and a starring role, something PSG cannot guarantee after their Kylian Mbappé rebuild. Barcelona’s project, with Xavi Hernández committed to youth, is believed to appeal strongly to the Amsterdam-born sensation.

Our View

If Barcelona can engineer the finances, pursuing Xavi Simons over Luis Díaz looks not just pragmatic but visionary. The Dutchman’s ceiling is sky-high, and the emotional pull of a La Masia comeback could spark the next great chapter in Barça’s storied tradition of home-grown heroes.