FC Barcelona continues to see how some of its former gems move away from any possibility of returning to Camp Nou. This time, the protagonist is a player who was trained at La Masia and whom the blaugrana club had tried to recover.
However, Luis Enrique has made a decision that completely changes the landscape. PSG has closed his sale for a million-dollar figure, leaving Barça with no options to sign him in the future.
PSG and its interest in La Masia talents
The Parisian club has closely followed the evolution of several players who came out of the blaugrana academy. With Luis Enrique at the helm, PSG has sought to strengthen its squad with players of great potential, many of them with a culé past.
This interest is not new. Last summer, the French already tried to sign Lamine Yamal with an offer of 200 million, but Barça immediately rejected it.
Now, instead of buying, PSG has opted to sell. A player with a past at La Masia has been chosen to generate income and strike a blow to Barça in the market.
Luis Enrique approves his sale after Kvaratskhelia's signing
PSG has strengthened its attack with the addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger who has excelled at Napoli. With his arrival, the Parisian team has filled the vacancy left by Kylian Mbappé, practically closing the door to other players in his position.
Luis Enrique, aware of the excess of offensive talent, has given the green light to the departure of one of his young stars. This decision has surprised many, but it has a clear reason: to balance the club's accounts and avoid overpopulation in its squad.
The player in question is none other than Xavi Simons, who had been on loan at RB Leipzig since 2023. Barça tried to bring him back last summer, but PSG refused to negotiate with the culés to avoid strengthening a direct rival in the Champions League.
Now, in an unexpected turn, PSG has agreed to his definitive sale to RB Leipzig for 80 million euros. With this move, the German club has secured one of the players with the greatest potential in Europe. Xavi Simons has signed a contract with Leipzig until 2027, which leaves Barça with almost no options to count on him again in the future.
Barça regrets Luis Enrique's decision
From Camp Nou, this sale has been seen as a missed opportunity. Xavi Simons was a player that Barça wanted to recover, but PSG has maneuvered to prevent it.
Luis Enrique knew of the blaugrana interest and preferred to close the deal with Leipzig, ensuring that the Dutchman wouldn't strengthen Flick's team.
Now, Barça will have to look for other alternatives for its midfield. Meanwhile, PSG takes 80 million euros for a player who never quite fit into its project.
A new chapter in the tense relationship between Barça and PSG.