It was always a transfer that seemed a bit far fetched but nonetheless, it was one that has refused to go away.
The one I’m talking about is, of course, the story that first came about in January when PSG’s Xavi Simons was linked with a pre-contract move to link up with fellow Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
As it is, the Golden Boy nominee has, surprisingly, left France for good and is heading home to play with PSV Eindhoven despite claims that he was set to extend his contract with PSG as reported only a couple of days ago by Get French Football News:
“According to Fabrizio Romano Paris Saint-Germain are close to a ‘full agreement’ with Xavi Simons (19) on a long term contract – with negotiations in the final stages before a loan out to Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven. Simons was close to leaving the club a month ago, but is now set for a long term deal. “
Sources tend not to be named by media outlets but, when Romano makes a claim, it usually means that you can take what he has said as gospel, however, on this occasion, he got one wrong because late last night, the Eredivisie outfit announced what could well be one of the signings of the summer and a massive coup for the side.
Xavi Simons joins PSV Eindhoven, it’s official. Deal valid until 2027 with a surprising move by PSV and agents – new contract was almost agreed with Paris Saint-Germain with loan move, then it collapsed. 🇳🇱 #PSV
Verbal agreement broken and PSG decided to let him leave on a free. pic.twitter.com/tLaawIOcjt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2022
Dutch youth international Simons, even on loan, would have been a huge coup given how highly rated he is. It’s no shame not being able to break into a forward line that can boast Lionel Messi, Neymar, Angel di Maria and Kylian Mbappe amongst their numbers and yet the Parisienne’s were desperate not to lose him to another top side such is his potential, however, it would appear that they pushed the teenager too far and one broken promise too many has seen them lose one of the continents top young talents.
With him joining PSV, you just know that there will be Rangers fans demanding to know why we haven’t signed Simons and that Ross Wilson has been negligent in his duties once again but we will never know if we were truly interested.
I’m not entirely sure, if the rumours were accurate, that such a player would have moved to Scotland, anyway, there would always have been the issue of him having to sit on the bench for Alex Lowry, our own Golden Boy, who is set for a huge season if he is given the chance – at least he doesn’t have Messi and Neymar in front of him to complain about.