Xavi Simons Wants Barcelona Return as Deco Meets with Agents Despite Financial Hurdles
Former La Masia talent prioritizes reunion with Barça and Lamine Yamal, but €70 million price tag complicates deal.
Barcelona has taken a significant step in the pursuit of Xavi Simons, as sporting director Deco met with the midfielder’s representatives on Thursday (17 July) to discuss a potential transfer. According to Carlos Monfort of Sport, the 22-year-old Dutchman has already made it clear: he wants to return to Catalonia.
Simons, who developed in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain, believes a comeback would benefit his long-term career. The interest is mutual, but closing the deal remains complicated.
High Valuation and La Liga Rules Complicate the Move
Currently valued at €70 million (approx. R$452 million), Simons remains under contract in Germany, where he has impressed during his loan spells. This figure is well above what financially-strapped Barcelona can afford without first resolving internal constraints.
Before registering any new signings, Barça must comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules, which require the club to maintain financial stability and avoid overspending. While the club is actively pursuing reinforcements, including Simons, it must first balance its accounts.
Sales Could Fund Simons Deal But Key Players Resist Exit
Barcelona may need to offload high-value assets to make room for Simons. Among the possible departures is Ronald Araújo, but the defender has refused to leave and remains committed to coach Hansi Flick’s new project.
Other valuable players who are currently not central to Flick’s tactical plans, such as Gavi, are also being evaluated for potential offers. So far, however, the club has moved cautiously in the transfer market due to limited financial flexibility.
Simons’ Career So Far
Since leaving Barcelona, Xavi Simons has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders. After joining PSG and later being loaned to clubs like PSV and RB Leipzig, the Dutchman has amassed 163 career appearances, with 48 goals and 39 assists to his name a remarkable record for his age.
Despite growing interest from Premier League clubs, Simons has set his sights on a return to Barcelona, hoping to play alongside Lamine Yamal and be part of a new generation of talent at Camp Nou.
