Barcelona dealt major blow in pursuit of €60 million winger target

As has been already reported, FC Barcelona are on the lookout for a new left-winger heading into the summer transfer window.

Several targets have been identified for the position, with one of them being PSG ace Xavi Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig.

The former La Masia wonderkid is going through a fine season on loan in Germany and has put himself on the radars of Barça five years after having left the club’s youth academy.

However, given the Catalans’ situation economy-wise, only a loan deal can be considered at this moment. It was suggested that there is a special clause in his contract with PSG that would facilitate the deal.

Barcelona dealt blow in pursuit of Xavi Simons

However, it appears that PSG are set to make it difficult for Barcelona to re-sign Xavi Simons in the upcoming summer.

Indeed, as per BILD (h/t SPORT), PSG and RB Leipzig are already in negotiations as the German club are eager to retain the 21-year-old attacker beyond this season.

The player wants to return to Barça, but PSG’s plan for him means that for now, the operation is a long way off. The Parisian club is open to either a two-season loan deal or a transfer for around €60 million.

Now, RB Leipzig are already negotiating the latter option and are trying to convince the player to become a strategic asset at the club.

Barcelona could miss out on Xavi Simons. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

In fact, Leipzig are enthusiastic about the player and would be willing to make a record bid to continue their relationship with Simons.

Simons wants Barcelona but will listen to Leipzig

Simons’ entourage and PSG have a meeting pending that will take place this May. The youngster wants to have his future clear before the Euros and his priority is to play for Barça.

But PSG do not want this move as they prioritise a direct sale if the Dutchman is not going to stay at Parc des Princes.

Simons wants a project in which he is absolutely protagonist and undisputed starter in order not to cut short his impressive progression. He believes that such a role might not be forthcoming in Paris.

Barça attracts the Dutchman, but he is also clear that the competition for places will be intense. At the moment it is his first choice but he is also very grateful to Leipzig for the opportunity they have given him and will listen to them.

The fact that they have qualified for the Champions League is one more argument to convince a player who would be a starter and would have a lot of experience in a young squad that is growing year by year.