Xavi Simons joins RB Leipzig on season-long loan shortly after PSG return

Xavi Simons joins RB Leipzig on season-long loan shortly after PSG return

Netherlands international midfielder Xavi Simons has joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan shortly after returning to Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG activated their buy-back clause for the 20-year-old a few days ago. He returned to France after an unbelievable season with PSV Eindhoven, scoring 22 goals and recording 12 assists in 48 competitive games. He ended the campaign as the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie (19 goals).

Simons' performances earned him a place in the Dutch national team, and he celebrated his first cap in the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, against the United States.

"The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe and RB Leipzig are one of the best teams in the Bundesliga. Coming to Leipzig is the right step for me because RBL constantly show how to develop young players and be successful with them," said the Amsterdam-born playmaker."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. I can hardly wait to play with my new teammates and to start the new season. Leipzig - I can't wait!"

Simons spent nine years in the legendary academy of FC Barcelona, La Masia, before joining Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2019.

He made his debut in professional football for PSG on 10th February 2021 in the French Cup. He then played his first league game two months later on 10th April in Ligue 1. The youngster moved to Eindhoven last year after 11 competitive appearances for PSG. Xavi was part of the PSV side that won the Dutch Cup last season.

Simons has so far played four times for the Netherlands. He previously played for all of the Dutch's youth sides, winning 22 caps across the various age groups.