Netherlands international Xavi Simons seals RB Leipzig loan return from Paris Saint-Germain, turns down Bayern Munich
Updated 05/08/2024 at 10:57 GMT+1
Xavi Simons is heading back to Germany ahead of the new Bundesliga season, after sealing a return to RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful 2023/24 campaign with the Red Bulls after making 43 appearances across all competitions and helping Marco Rose's side seal Champions League qualification again for next season. Simons is recognised as one of Europe's most exciting young players.
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RB Leipzig have announced the return of Xavi Simons on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 21-year-old will once again link up with Marco Rose's squad on a straight loan with no option to buy.
The club also confirmed that he has also now been allocated the No. 10 shirt.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Simons informed Leipzig's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich he would not be joining them, after interest from both the Bavarians and multiple Premier League clubs.
Among those was reportedly Manchester United, but the 21-year-old has made a temporary move back to the familiar surroundings in Saxony.
"I got everything I wanted from my move to Leipzig. I joined a great team and felt everyone’s trust and belief in me," said Simons after making his return to Germany.
"I was able to develop as both a player and a person – RB Leipzig is the perfect place for you to do that.
"On top of that, the club really value me and made it clear over the last few months that they would like to sign me. I’m extremely motivated to keep on improving and to play my part in the club’s success.
"I feel right at home here in Leipzig and I’m extremely happy to be able to play for this club and for these fans for another year. I’m ready to make history!"
The move comes after a series of eye-catching displays for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, where Simons started five of the six matches in his side's run to the semi-finals.
Simons made a telling impact in his first spell at the Red Bull Arena, scoring 10 goals and registering 15 assists for the Bundesliga side.
He scored once in the 2-1 semi-final defeat to England, and claimed three assists in the 3-2 group-stage defeat to Austria, and in the 3-0 round-of-16 victory over Romania.
Simons has already made impressive progress in his fledgling career, moving through the youth ranks at Barcelona ahead of his first stint with PSG.
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After a solitary campaign with PSV Eindhoven, Simons returned to the French capital in July 2023 before embarking on a first loan move to Leipzig.
Simons has won a series of major honours that includes the Ligue 1 title and domestic cups in France and the Netherlands.
In total, he currently has 20 caps for the Netherlands and made his senior debut in the 2022 World Cup round-of-16 tie against the United States - a match which the Dutch won 3-1.
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