Emerging Bundesliga star Xavi Simons faces a career-defining moment as he comes to terms with the factors standing in the way of a dream return to Barcelona.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who began his footballing career at FC Barcelona’s famous La Masia before moving away in 2019, has publicly stated his wish to once again don the Blaugrana shirt.
Unfortunately, the €75 million price tag placed on the young player by his current club presents an impossible barrier for the financially hampered Catalan club, according to Diario Sport.
The Dutch international had a breakout season last year that put him on the radar of elite clubs in Europe, but he has not maintained that level of performance during a loan at RB Leipzig this season.
Despite inconsistent performances, Leipzig appears adamant in their valuation of the player, being aware that several Premier League clubs could easily afford the price.
Ultimately, Barcelona finds itself in the unfortunate position where, regardless of the emotional draw the player may have back to the club, the strict financial limits at which they operate mean they cannot get involved in a bidding war for the player.
Xavi Simons must now make a challenging judgment concerning his future.
The gifted playmaker came through Barcelona’s youth system before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, and his agents have reportedly told Barcelona that he is willing to return.
But, with Barcelona unable to pay even a loan fee with an option to buy, as they tried last summer, it is possible that Simons may have to look for other routes to continue to develop himself.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been mentioned in relation to the young Dutchman, who still has the technical ability that made him one of the top prospects in Europe.
A sad situation for someone like Simons, who was brought up to dream of playing at Camp Nou, is yet another example of the financial realities donors are faced with in footballing modernity.
Unless Barcelona can think outside the box or Simons is prepared to wait around indefinitely, his homecoming story may never be reflective.
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