TRANSFER – Clause at PSG, Luis Enrique and outbreak: The Xavi Simons case in question

Why does the subject come back to the table?

Whooping cough of social networks from an early age, Xavi Simons did not miss his return to the country. After leaving PSG free last summer, the midfielder exploded at PSV Eindhoven. At 20, he signed a sparkling season: 19 goals, 9 assists in 34 Eredivisie matches, the Dutch championship which he finished as top scorer. And he took advantage of this rise to become a member of the Batavian selection, where Ronald Koeman imposed him in 2023 at the heart of the game despite his young age.

Inevitably, his performances of choice have exceeded the borders of the Netherlands. And while his name is mentioned in Europe, notably at Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham or even Borussia Dortmund, PSG remains an option because a clause exists to allow the Parisian club to recover the one who was trained at Barça then in Paris.

What clause does PSG have?

Several echoes have circulated in recent months. If the clause to repatriate him from the next summer transfer window was first confirmed by the director of the Dutch club in October on the sidelines of the presentation of the club’s financial results, the amount varies. At the end of last year, the specialized magazine Voetbal International had quantified it between 10 and 12 million euros. But since then, a lesser sum has been mentioned.

Why does Paris not have complete control over this file?

Can Luis Enrique change the game?

If he wants to repatriate his former prodigy snatched from Barça where he was already doing the rounds of the networks when he was at La Masia, PSG will have to succeed in seducing Xavi Simons by offering him an enticing project. The Batavian international (5 selections) was necessarily marked by his first stint in Paris, where he was only entitled to seven small appearances in L1 under the orders of Mauricio Pochettino. After really launching his pro career this season, he obviously does not want to take the risk of reliving such a scenario, and that is understandable. While waiting to make his decision, he must therefore carefully follow what is happening in the French capital for the coaching position. And the announced arrival of Luis Enrique in place of Christophe Galtier can then be a chance for PSG in this file.

While young people have not been at the party in recent years in Paris, the Spanish coach, who has a common past at FC Barcelona with Xavi Simons, has never been afraid to trust talent, whatever their age. He showed it with Barça but also at the head of the Spanish selection. And if there are still people in his playing sector at PSG, his signature could seduce Xavi Simons while the Dutch press has explained in recent months that he was tempted by the idea of ​​​​working with Mikel Arteta because of his ability to develop youngsters at Arsenal. However, Luis Enrique can fall into the same category.

Why has PSV not said its last word?

His 2022-23 exercise should make him want to continue at PSV Eindhoven to confirm before taking the plunge again. But as the Dutch media Voetbal International explained, Xavi Simons would not necessarily have tasted the departure of his coach Ruud van Nistelrooy at the end of May. And while Peter Bosz has since settled on the bench, the Dutch club intends to do everything to try to convince him to continue the adventure. PSV has been active for several weeks with the player but also with his representatives. By selling them his sports project but also by offering Xavi Simons a significantly increased salary while allowing him to leave in the coming years. What convince him to reject the Parisian proposals or other clubs? Answer in a few days.