Paris Saint-Germain transfer news: Xavi Simons joins RB Leipzig in €81m deal

RB Leipzig have announced that they have signed Paris Saint-Germain attacker Xavi Simons on a permanent basis.

The Netherlands international - who has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in the past - has been representing the Bundesliga giants since the summer of 2023 courtesy of back-to-back loans.

An outstanding 15 goals and 19 assists have been contributed from 60 appearances, enhancing his reputation in the process.

As a result of his star status at Leipzig, club officials have moved to agree a deal with PSG that is said to be worth €81m (£67.8m).

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, that fee includes add-ons, with PSG also in line to benefit from a sell-on fee in the future.

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What have Simons, Leipzig had to say?

Speaking to the club's official website, the 21-year-old said: "I've always said that I feel extremely at home in Leipzig and that I'm honoured by the appreciation shown towards me by the club.

"Over the coming weeks and months, I will be able to freely pursue our joint aims of qualifying for the Champions League for the seventh straight season, and of reaching the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin – those are the only things that matter right now."

Board member for sport Marcel Schafer added: "We've been working for a long time to make this transfer, which is a great one both in a sporting and financial sense, a reality.

"In the past few days, a door suddenly opened, and we were able to seize this opportunity. The deal is in line with our budgetary and transfer-related guidelines. We're pleased to have the clarity of knowing that Xavi is now our player – we now hold all the trump cards.

"Xavi has come on leaps and bounds at our club and has shown that RB Leipzig is the right place for young, talented footballers. Our joint focus is now on achieving our targets in the second half of the season."

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Necessary income?

With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia having signed for €70m (£58.6m) earlier in the winter transfer window, a big-money sale became more necessary for PSG.

The wage bill has been further reduced by the loan exits of Milan Skriniar and Randal Kolo Muani to Fenerbahce and Juventus respectively.

PSG officials now have greater leeway should they wish to add to their squad before the February 3 deadline.

In Leipzig's case, signing Simons on a full-time basis represents a significant piece of business given that they have failed to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.

Also sitting down in fifth place in the Bundesliga table, there is increasing pressure to ensure that they qualify for next season's competition.

Written by
Darren Plant