Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Xavi Simons has completed a season-long loan switch to RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.
Following an exceptional campaign with PSV Eindhoven, PSG activated Simons’ €6 million release clause, prematurely ending his spell with the Eredivisie outfit.
The talented 20-year-old striker bagged 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 competitive games, ending the campaign as the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie with 19 league goals.
Simons signed a deal with PSG that will keep him at Parc des Princes until 2027 before joining Leipzig on a dry loan.
The versatile Netherlands international forward reportedly had assurances from the record Ligue 1 champions about his playing time before returning to the French capital.
“The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe, and RB Leipzig are one of the best teams in the Bundesliga,” Simons said.
“Coming to Leipzig is the right step for me because RBL constantly shows how to develop young players and be successful with them.
“I’m joining a club that regularly plays Champions League football. The squad has the perfect mix of lots of young and experienced players, and the whole club is hungry for success.
“I was immediately impressed by RB Leipzig’s style of play, and I strongly believe that my qualities will be a good match for this team, and we can achieve a lot together.”
Simons’ arrival means Leipzig now boasts a strong contingent of young and talented attackers at the Red Bull Arena, including Fabio Carvalho, Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda.
The DFB Pokal winners finished third in the Bundesliga last season, but their recruitment drive this summer suggests they want to build a squad strong enough to rival Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund next season.
Simons will return to PSG next year, hoping to establish himself as an ever-present figure for Les Parisiens.
However, what the future holds for the youngster at the French capital will most likely depend on PSG’s transfer business over the next two transfer windows.
