An important La Liga club is preparing to make a splash in the market with a high-impact signing. Their goal is to strengthen the attack with a young, creative profile with experience in major competitions. The reason: their current offensive star is no longer performing as before and could pack his bags soon.
The team is seriously considering his sale or a negotiated move to the United States, where he wants to end his career. Although it's not official yet, the idea of freeing themselves from his high salary is gaining traction in the offices. At the same time, they're looking for someone capable of forming a competitive partnership with their Argentine striker.
Discarded alternatives and a clear priority
One of the candidates to lead the new project was a Norwegian striker with impressive numbers but little real impact. Although he has delivered on paper, the coaching staff don't see him as the ideal starter for big matches. His role will remain that of a super-sub, which is why the club is betting on a more decisive profile.
The coach has proposed several alternatives, including pure "9"s and dynamic attacking midfielders, without settling on a defined profile yet. Names like Álex Baena have been on the table, but there's another who has convinced everyone. That name is none other than the Dutchman who has decided to leave RB Leipzig.
Xavi Simons has told his inner circle that he won't continue in Germany after failing to qualify for the Champions League. Although he recently signed with the club, he's looking for a more competitive project that's closer to his playing style. The young Dutchman has never hidden his desire to return to Spain, the country where he lived for many years.
The doors of Barça are completely closed to him, but not for lack of talent or attitude. The squad is already covered in his position and there's no intention to make an additional financial effort. That's why Simons is listening carefully to the proposal from another Spanish club that does want him as a star.
Xavi Simons | @xavisimons
A multi-million operation underway
Any team that wants to sign him will have to pay the €80 million (88M USD) release clause. It's a significant investment, but considered justified by his age, performance, and medium-term potential. At just 21 years old, he has already proven to be a decisive player in demanding leagues like the Bundesliga and Ligue 1.
The interested club is willing to take on that amount if they can finalize some strategic departures first. The operation would make him one of the most expensive signings in their history, only behind a couple of stars. Everything is ready to go after him... the player has given the green light to the move.
Simeone wants him | @simeone
Yes, the team that wants Simons is Atlético de Madrid, who see him as the ideal piece for their attack. Diego Simeone has personally approved the move and considers it a priority because of his versatility and individual quality. The Dutchman fits perfectly into the red-and-white scheme and could be their star signing of the summer.
With a price of €80 million (88M USD), he would be one of the most expensive reinforcements in Atlético's history. Only João Félix and Thomas Lemar cost more at the time, but none with such immediate potential. Xavi Simons is already on Atlético's radar... his arrival could change everything at the Metropolitano.
