Who is Xavi Simons? PSG star hints at transfer amid Liverpool links

Xavi Simons is finally marking his territory within the collective footballing consciousness. Amid links to Liverpool and a prominent role at Euro 2024, few will be unfamiliar with the name — but who is he?

In truth, his name has probably been recognizable to many for a good while, but only in a very disembodied sense. Simons has long been talked about as a wonderkid, from the days when he was coming through the academy at Barcelona with a moniker — Xavi — that immediately attracted attention at the Nou Camp.

He was poached by PSG in 2019. Initially failing to make the grade there, he was sold to PSV, but has since returned to the French giant, although he spent last season out on loan at RB Leipzig. Recognition has proved more readily available at international level, where he has started at the Euros alongside Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.

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Simons was also included in the squad for the World Cup in 2022. He got a bit of game time, but was a mostly peripheral figure; his prominence at Euro 2024 reflects his recent rise.

Primarily playing off the wings, Simons recorded eight goals and 13 assists for Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season. He has also spent plenty of time in an attacking midfield role.

It's little surprise, then, that TBR Football reported last month that PSG has told Simons it would like him to return and be part of the project ahead of the new season. That's despite apparent interest from Liverpool, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal.

But Simons cast a degree of doubt over his future after the 0-0 draw with France at the Euros. He had a goal controversially ruled out in that game, prompting the ire of Van Dijk, and spoke to the media afterwards.

"I was happy in Paris,” he said. "Things have happened. Now, I was in Leipzig this year. We'll see after the Euros.”

Still just 21, Simons remains a bundle of potential, but he's already starting to come good on the hype that has long followed him around. There's little doubt that he'd be an exciting addition at Liverpool under compatriot Arne Slot.

Liverpool.com says: Plenty would have sagged under the weight of the expectations placed on Simons over the years. But he is blossoming into a truly exciting talent.

A very creative presence, he has the versatility to play well in a number of roles. It's easy to see how he might fit in under Slot, although whether PSG will let him leave permanently for a second time is up for debate.